By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Alex Eala hopes to start the new season with a bang when she competes in the 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand on Jan. 5.
The name of the world No. 53 Filipina sensation is on the list of players expected to see action in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA250) tournament.
The tournament is part of Eala’s buildup heading to her main draw debut at the Australian Open.
Also in the player roster are world No. 14 Elina Svitolina, world No. 15 Emma Navarro, world No. 54 Magda Linette, and fellow Southeast Asian standout Janice Tjen of Indonesia.
After her Auckland stint, Eala would head to Melbourne, Australia for the 2026 Kooyong Classic, which served as one of the sport’s most prestigious warm-up events a week before the Australian Open.
She will join another list of high-ranked players like former world No. 17 Donna Vekic, with former world No. 5 Daniela Hantuchova making a guest appearance.
Further player announcements and updates are also being expected.
