AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Alex Eala advanced to the semifinals of the ASB Classic on Friday after defeating Poland’s Magda Linette, 6-3, 6-2, to move within two wins of her first title of the season.
The 20-year-old Filipina, seeded fourth in the tournament, broke Linette’s serve early in the opening set and took a 4-2 lead. She maintained control through consistent baseline play and closed the set in 42 minutes. Eala opened the second set by winning the first four games before Linette held serve twice. Eala then won the final two games to secure the match.
“It was difficult,” Eala said. “Magda is an experienced player, and I’ve had difficulties playing against her before. I’m happy to see my level improve.”
The win marked Eala’s first victory over Linette after losses to the Polish player in Abu Dhabi in 2024 and Nottingham in 2025.
Eala will face China’s Wang Xinyu in the semifinals. Wang is ranked No. 57 in the world and reached a career-high ranking of No. 32 in October 2023. Both players are seeking a spot in their second career tour-level singles final.
Eala reached the semifinals after defeating Paris Olympics silver medalist Donna Vekic, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, in the second round and Croatia’s Petra Marckinko, 6-0, 6-2, in the quarterfinals.
Eala is ranked among the top players in the tournament and has drawn attention for her results early in the 2026 season.
