Pretty in pink, Alexandra Eala smothered Croatian Petra Marcinko, 6-0, 6-2, in their second round women’s singles match in the ASB Classic in Auckland, Zealand at the Manuka Doctor Center Court on Thurday morning (Philippine time).
This time, the big crowd of fans that showed up wasn’t that loud as they watched the 20-year-old Eala quickly adjust to the breezy conditions and pull off her most emphatic win so far in the young season.
“I’m so happy with how I was able to compete and handle the different situations on court,” said the world no. 53 Eala, who was done with Marcinko in 63 minutes — way faster than when she outlasted Croatian Donna Vekic in 2 hours and 40 minutes to win her opening match, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Marcinko got into trouble right from the start, as she was unable to counter the Eala’s dominant all-around performance and powerful serves.
“I’m happy with how I’m starting, it’s difficult, everyone at this level gives you certain challenges, but again, I’m happy with how I’m playing,” said the fourth-seeded Eala in reaching the quarterfinals.
With coach Joan Bosch and the Filipina star’s parents watching, Eala thrived with her mean forehand, which was sharpened further last November, when tennis great Rafa Nadal personally shared some of his skills with her during a special training session.
Dictating with a blistering pace, Eala raced to a 6-0 lead in just 22 minutes.
“I’m very happy with the match. Different conditions from the night session that I played the other day. Overall, a great level,” said Eala, who converted 21 points off 30 first serves.
Marcinko, who looked visibly upset in the closing moments of the first set, momentarily found her rhythm in the second set.
After Marcinko took a 2-1 lead, Eala bounced back, and won five consecutive games to seal the match.
The 20-year-old Marcinko scored eight points on her 21 first serves, in bowing out of contention.
Fifth seed and world no. 52 Magda Linette, a Polish pro, who has won three Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles’ title, is Eala’s next opponent.
Linette moved into a clash with Eala after beating Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3, in a contest that lasted two hours and 35 minutes.
In facing Linette, Eala will have to get over her two losses to her Polish foe in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Open’s round, 7-6 (7-2), 6-1, and at the 2025 Nottingham netfest’s round of 32 as well, 6-4, 6-3.
Meanwhile, Eala and her partner Iva Jovic advanced to the women’s doubles quarterfinals, after their opponents, Jesika Maleckova and Renata Zarazua withdrew.
Eala and Jovic will meet the third-seeded pair Chinese pair of Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan in the semifinals on Friday.
Eala and Jovic earlier won their first-round match against tennis legends Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina, 7-6 (9-7), 6-1.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Alex Eala moves to ASB Classic quarterfinals”
