‘Absolute fighter’ Alex Eala battles through injury before ASB Classic exit

MANILA, Philippines – In the longest match of the ASB Classic, Alex Eala had to endure nagging lower back spasms to give herself a chance in the latter stage of the semifinals. 

However, China’s Wang Xinyu proved too much in the final stretch as Eala ultimately bowed out of the Auckland tournament, 5-7, 7-5, 6-4, on Saturday, January 10.

Eala went down by four games twice in the match but could not complete the spirited comeback in the deciding set. Winning the game would have given Eala her second WTA Tour final stint since June 2025.

“It was a crazy battle from the start to the end, for sure,” Wang said after the game that lasted 2 hours and 47 minutes.

Wang then praised Eala for playing through injury and keeping her composure while facing adversity in the match.

“She’s an absolute fighter,” said the 24-year-old Wang, who will be playing in her second tour final. 

Eala took a medical timeout in the third set due to a possible back injury after trailing 3-0. Down 5-1 again, Eala then went on to win three straight games, 5-4, before Wang salvaged the win in the 10th game. 

In the first set, the world-ranked No. 53 Eala found herself in a 4-0 hole early, but managed to shake off jitters in the ensuing games to surge to a 7-5 win. 

The 20-year-old Filipino then showed cracks in the second set, as Wang won four straight games to force the decider. 

From there, the world No. 57 Wang capitalized on Eala’s back issues en route to the final. 

Despite the loss, the tournament showcased Eala’s improved skills to start 2026, as she reached her third WTA semifinal ahead of the Australian Open.

For now, Eala sets her sights on the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne, Australia, from January 13 to January 15 as her final prelude for the Australian Open. – Rappler.com