By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
After a remarkable 2025 season, Alex Eala hopes to launch her 2026 campaign in style as she and doubles partner Iva Jovic battle grizzled veterans Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina at the ASB Classic on Monday, Jan. 5, in Auckland, New Zealand.
If they hurdle their first two round assignments, Eala and Williams would arrange a blockbuster quarterfinal showdown with the Filipina ace out to display her youthful exuberance against the seven-time Grand Slam champion.
Before thinking about their singles matches, both Eala and Williams are focused on their doubles match set at 8:50 a.m. (Philippine time), with Eala and Jovic seeking to make an early impact in the WTA250 event.
Like everyone else in the tour, Eala is alsousing the tournament as her springboard for her maiden main-draw appearance in the Australian Open – the first of four Grand Slam events.
With their storied careers, Williams and Svitolina present a formidable challenge for Eala and Jovic.
The 45-year-old Williams, who received a wildcard here, is already legend in the doubles. She won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, all with sister Serena Williams.
She also clinched three gold medals at the Olympic Games with Serena: in the 2000 Sydney, 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Games.
Currently, she is ranked No. 145 in the doubles.
Svitolina, 31, also boasts of two career doubles titles and went as high as No. 108 in the doubles rankings.
Eala is no ordinary doubles player. She is ranked No. 166, having won three International Tennis Federation (ITF) doubles titles in 2024.
Her partner, Jovic, 18, also shows potential, with a doubles ranking at No. 217.
