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Tag: Alex Eala

  • Alex Eala exits Australian Open after three-set loss to Alycia Parks

    Alex Eala exits Australian Open after three-set loss to Alycia Parks

    Alex Eala’s Australian Open campaign opened with a statement—and ended with a hard lesson against one of the tour’s biggest servers.

     

    The Filipina ace stunned early by blanking Alycia Parks in the opening set, 6-0, before the American regrouped and leaned on her power game to pull away for a 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory in their Round of 64 clash at Melbourne Park.

     

    Eala looked fully in control at the outset, racing through the first set with authority. She converted three break points, dominated the return exchanges, and won 55.6 percent of return points compared to Parks’ 38.1. Even with Parks firing four aces to Eala’s one in the opening frame, it was the Filipina who led in total points won and dictated the tempo from the baseline.

     

    Momentum, however, swung sharply in the second set.

     

    Parks opened with a 2-0 lead and refused to let Eala settle. The Filipina nearly stole the third game, but Parks held firm to stretch the advantage to three games. Eala briefly stopped the bleeding by taking the fourth game, then rattled off points to narrow the gap to 3-2. 

     

    She eventually clawed her way back to level the set at 3-all, showing the grit that has defined her rise on tour.

     

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    That push proved to be Eala’s last surge.

     

    Parks reasserted control by breaking the tie and surging ahead 5-3, then closed the set 6-3 by winning three of the final games. The numbers reflected the shift—Parks claimed 29 total points in the second set to Eala’s 23, signaling the American’s growing command.

     

    The deciding set followed a similar pattern. Parks jumped out to a 4-2 lead, continuing to pressure Eala with pace and placement on serve. Two more games later, the match was over, with Parks sealing the third set, 6-2.

     

    Despite the loss, Eala finished with 83 total points won, but Parks’ serve proved decisive. The American piled up a 12–1 advantage in service aces, a gap that ultimately tilted the match in her favor as it wore on.

     

    For Eala, the early dominance in the first set showed she belongs on the sport’s biggest stage. For now, though, the Australian Open run ends in Melbourne—with the question remaining if she will participate in the upcoming WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open. 

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA Finals & Alex Eala’s Australian Open Schedule and WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open (January 20-26) 

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA Finals & Alex Eala’s Australian Open Schedule and WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open (January 20-26) 

    It’s a packed week for sports fans, with action spanning tennis, basketball, and marquee local events. Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala headlines the calendar with her Australian Open campaign before turning her focus to the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open, while the PBA Philippine Cup Finals tip off another chapter in one of the league’s fiercest rivalries. Meanwhile, the NBA calendar is stacked with daily matchups in Philippine time, featuring top contenders and must-watch clashes.

     

    Below is the complete, consolidated fixture list for the week.

     

    🎾 ALEX EALA – 2026 TENNIS SCHEDULE

     

    Australian Open

    Round of 64

    📅 Monday, January 19, 2026
     📍 Melbourne Park, Australia
     ⏰ TBA
     Alex Eala vs. Alycia Parks

     

    WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open

    Qualifying Draw

     

    📅 January 24–25, 2026
     📍 Philippines

    • January 24 (Saturday) – Qualifying Round 1
       • January 25 (Sunday) – Qualifying Final Round

    Main Draw

    📅 January 26–31, 2026
     📍 Philippines

    • January 26 (Monday) – Opening / First Round
       • January 27 (Tuesday) – First Round Continues
       • January 28 (Wednesday) – Second Round
       • January 29 (Thursday) – Quarterfinals
       • January 30 (Friday) – Semifinals
       • January 31 (Saturday) – Finals

    🏀 PBA PHILIPPINE CUP FINALS

    Best-of-7 Series


     TNT Tropang 5G vs. San Miguel Beer
     Series tied: 0–0

    Game 1

    📅 Wednesday, January 21, 2026
     📍 Ynares Center, Antipolo
     ⏰ 7:30 PM
     San Miguel Beer vs. TNT Tropang 5G

     

    Game 2

    📅 Friday, January 23, 2026
     📍 Ynares Center, Antipolo
     ⏰ 7:30 PM
     San Miguel Beer vs. TNT Tropang 5G

     

    Game 3

    📅 Sunday, January 25, 2026
     📍 SM Mall of Asia Arena
     ⏰ 7:30 PM
     San Miguel Beer vs. TNT Tropang 5G

     

     

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    🏀 NBA SCHEDULE (PHILIPPINE TIME)

    Tuesday, January 20, 2026

    • 2:00 AM – Milwaukee Bucks vs. Atlanta Hawks (State Farm Arena)
       • 3:30 AM – Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (Rocket Arena)
       • 4:00 AM – LA Clippers vs. Washington Wizards (Capital One Arena)
       • 6:00 AM – Dallas Mavericks vs. New York Knicks (Madison Square Garden)
       • 6:00 AM – Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs (Frost Bank Center)
       • 8:00 AM – Indiana Pacers vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Xfinity Mobile Arena)
       • 8:30 AM – Phoenix Suns vs. Brooklyn Nets (Barclays Center)
       • 9:00 AM – Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons (Little Caesars Arena)
       • 11:00 AM – Miami Heat vs. Golden State Warriors (Chase Center)

    Wednesday, January 21, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Phoenix Suns vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Xfinity Mobile Arena)
       • 9:00 AM – LA Clippers vs. Chicago Bulls (United Center)
       • 9:00 AM – San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets (Toyota Center)
       • 10:00 AM – Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Utah Jazz (Delta Center)
       • 11:00 AM – Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets (Ball Arena)
       • 11:00 AM – Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors (Chase Center)
       • 11:00 AM – Miami Heat vs. Sacramento Kings (Golden 1 Center)

    Thursday, January 22, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets (Spectrum Center)
       • 8:30 AM – Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics (TD Garden)
       • 8:30 AM – Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks (Madison Square Garden)
       • 9:00 AM – Atlanta Hawks vs. Memphis Grizzlies (FedExForum)
       • 9:00 AM – Detroit Pistons vs. New Orleans Pelicans (Smoothie King Center)
       • 10:30 AM – Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Milwaukee Bucks (Fiserv Forum)
       • 11:00 AM – Toronto Raptors vs. Sacramento Kings (Golden 1 Center)

    Friday, January 23, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic (Kia Center)
       • 8:00 AM – Houston Rockets vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Xfinity Mobile Arena)
       • 8:00 AM – Denver Nuggets vs. Washington Wizards (Capital One Arena)
       • 8:30 AM – Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks (American Airlines Center)
       • 9:00 AM – Chicago Bulls vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Target Center)
       • 10:00 AM – San Antonio Spurs vs. Utah Jazz (Delta Center)
       • 11:00 AM – Los Angeles Lakers vs. LA Clippers (Intuit Dome)
       • 11:00 AM – Miami Heat vs. Portland Trail Blazers (Moda Center)

    Saturday, January 24, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Houston Rockets vs. Detroit Pistons (Little Caesars Arena)
       • 8:30 AM – Phoenix Suns vs. Atlanta Hawks (State Farm Arena)
       • 8:30 AM – Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets (Barclays Center)
       • 8:30 AM – Sacramento Kings vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (Rocket Arena)
       • 9:00 AM – New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies (FedExForum)
       • 9:00 AM – Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Paycom Center)
       • 10:30 AM – Denver Nuggets vs. Milwaukee Bucks (Fiserv Forum)
       • 11:00 AM – Toronto Raptors vs. Portland Trail Blazers (Moda Center)

    Sunday, January 25, 2026

    • 4:00 AM – New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Xfinity Mobile Arena)
       • 6:30 AM – Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Target Center)
       • 7:00 AM – Washington Wizards vs. Charlotte Hornets (Spectrum Center)
       • 8:00 AM – Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic (Kia Center)
       • 9:00 AM – Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls (United Center)
       • 9:30 AM – Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks (American Airlines Center)
       • 10:30 AM – Miami Heat vs. Utah Jazz (Delta Center)

    Monday, January 26, 2026

    • 4:00 AM – Sacramento Kings vs. Detroit Pistons (Little Caesars Arena)
       • 4:30 AM – Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies (FedExForum)
       • 8:00 AM – Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks (Fiserv Forum)
       • 8:00 AM – Toronto Raptors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Paycom Center)
       • 8:00 AM – New Orleans Pelicans vs. San Antonio Spurs (Frost Bank Center)
       • 9:00 AM – Miami Heat vs. Phoenix Suns (Footprint Center)
       • 10:00 AM – Brooklyn Nets vs. LA Clippers (Intuit Dome)

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  • Carlos Yulo, Alex Eala share spotlight as PSA honors them with co-Athlete of Year honors 

    Carlos Yulo, Alex Eala share spotlight as PSA honors them with co-Athlete of Year honors 

    Two Filipino athletes who turned 2025 into a year of belief, brilliance, and global respect will headline the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night, as Carlos Yulo and Alex Eala are named the Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

     

    In a rare decision that underscores the magnitude of their achievements, the country’s oldest media organization will honor both stars in the same year — a first in 22 years — when the PSA stages its traditional awards gala on February 16 at the Diamond Hotel Manila, in partnership with San Miguel Corp.

     

    From packed arenas in Asia to tennis courts under the brightest lights of the sport, Yulo and Eala carried the Philippine flag with poise and power, showing that Filipino excellence can thrive anywhere in the world.

     

    “This marks the first time in 22 years the PSA named a male and female co-Athletes of the Year,” with the last instance coming in 2004 when Manny Pacquiao and Jennifer Rosales shared the honor.

     

    Yulo, now 25, becomes a repeat awardee after also being recognized in 2024. Eala, just 20, earns her first PSA Athlete of the Year citation — a milestone that mirrors her rapid rise in global tennis

     

    “Their exemplary performances on the international stage, and more importantly, the way they have inspired countless young athletes to chase their own path for greatness, are enough reasons to crown both Alex and Carlos as the year’s top performers in sports,” said PSA president Francis Ochoa, sports editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

     

    Fresh off his historic double-gold performance at the Paris Olympics, Yulo refused to slow down. The gymnast from Leveriza, Manila quickly returned to competition and dominated the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in South Korea, capturing his fourth straight floor exercise gold while also claiming bronze medals in the parallel bars, vault, and individual all-around.

     

    Later in the year, Yulo reaffirmed his place among the world’s elite at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Indonesia, soaring to gold in the vault and adding another bronze in floor exercise at the 53rd edition of the meet.

     

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    While Yulo ruled the air, Eala made her own breakthrough on the ground — rewriting Philippine tennis history one tournament at a time.

     

    A product of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, Eala’s 2025 surge began with a stunning run at the Miami Open, where the then world No. 140 entered as a wildcard and stunned the tennis world.

     

    She eliminated former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, reigning Australian Open winner Madison Keys, and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek en route to a semifinal appearance that announced her arrival as a rising force.

     

    That run ignited a year of firsts. Eala cracked the WTA Top 50, became the first Filipino in the Open era to compete in the Wimbledon singles main draw, captured her first WTA 125 title in Guadalajara, and etched her name in Grand Slam history by winning a US Open main-draw match — another Open-era first for the Philippines.

     

    She capped her banner year with a gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, ending a 26-year drought in Philippine women’s singles tennis and completing a season that resonated far beyond rankings and trophies.

     

    For PSA, honoring Yulo and Eala together is not just about medals won, but about moments created — moments that reminded a nation of what is possible.

     

    As the spotlight turns to February 16, the awards night will celebrate more than individual triumphs. It will celebrate two athletes who, in different arenas, carried the same message: Filipinos belong on the world stage.

     

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  • Alex Eala clinches women’s 2026 Kooyong Classic title, sends statement ahead of Australian Open

    Alex Eala clinches women’s 2026 Kooyong Classic title, sends statement ahead of Australian Open

    Alexandra Eala has once again put Philippine tennis firmly on the global map after capturing the 2026 Kooyong Classic title in Melbourne, taking home the prestigious Evonne Goolagong Cawley Trophy. The victory is more than just another accolade for the 20-year-old; it’s a clear signal that the rising star is ready to make waves at the season’s first Grand Slam.

     

    The Filipina ace navigated the elite exhibition field with poise and precision, culminating in a straight-sets win over former world No. 19 Donna Vekic, 6-3, 6-4.

     

     It was Eala’s second triumph over the Croatian in just over two weeks, following her three-set victory at the WTA 125 ASB Classic in Auckland. 

     

    Kooyong has long served as a springboard for players seeking to fine-tune their game before the Australian Open. 

     

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    Against seasoned opposition, Eala displayed the qualities that have fueled her meteoric rise: strategic shot selection, versatility, and a competitive edge that belies her age. 

     

    Winning the exhibition places her alongside past champions who often translate Kooyong success into deep Grand Slam runs, adding another milestone to a 2025 campaign that saw her break into the Top 50 and set multiple historic firsts for Philippine tennis.

     

    As she heads to Melbourne Park, her Kooyong triumph serves as a statement: Alexandra Eala is no longer just a promising prospect — she is a player to watch on the world stage.

     

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  • Alex Eala takes on WTA No.100 Alycia Parks in Australian Open debut 

    Alex Eala takes on WTA No.100 Alycia Parks in Australian Open debut 

    The 20-year-old Filipina sensation begins her maiden main draw campaign at Melbourne Park on Sunday, Jan. 18, drawing American Alycia Parks in a first-round clash that immediately tests how far Eala’s rapid rise can carry her on tennis’ biggest stages.

     

    The matchup was finalized following Thursday’s release of the tournament draw, which placed Eala in the upper half of a stacked bracket headlined by world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. 

     

    Also lurking in the section are Grand Slam champions and former finalists, including Emma Raducanu, Venus Williams, and third seed Coco Gauff — a reminder of the level Eala now shares space with.

     

    Just a year ago, Eala was still fighting through the qualifying rounds in Melbourne. Her 2025 appearance marks a turning point after jumping from world No. 140 to No. 49 in just 12 months — one of the most significant climbs on the WTA Tour over that span.

     

    Facing Parks for the first time, Eala enters the contest ranked 51 spots higher than her American opponent, but Grand Slam experience slightly favors the 25-year-old Parks, who has been a regular presence in major main draws since 2021 and reached the third round of last year’s Australian Open. 

     

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    Recent form, however, paints a different picture. Both players opened their seasons in Auckland at the ASB Classic, where Eala powered her way to the semifinals beating two former top-20 players while Parks exited in the Round of 32. 

     

    Eala then carried that momentum to Melbourne, sharpening her game at the Kooyong Classic — an exhibition event where she turned heads with a straight-sets win over  2024 Paris Olympics silver medalist Donna Vekic, 6-3, 6-4.

     

    Parks, meanwhile, continued her tune-up at the Hobart International qualifiers, bowing out in her second match after a three-set battle against Ayano Shimizu.

     

    For Eala, the Australian Open represents both a milestone and a measuring stick. While she made her Grand Slam debuts at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open last year — including a second-round showing in New York — Melbourne is where her transformation from promising talent to legitimate tour contender will be closely watched.

     

    Sunday’s opener isn’t just about advancing to the next round. It’s about announcing that Alex Eala belongs in the main draw — and that her climb is far from finished.

     

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  • PHILTA eyes tennis growth in the Philippines as Manila is set to host first-ever WTA 125 event

    PHILTA eyes tennis growth in the Philippines as Manila is set to host first-ever WTA 125 event

    Manila is set to serve up a historic moment for Philippine tennis, as the city prepares to host its first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament. The Philippine Women’s Open has officially been added to the 2026 WTA calendar, elevating Manila onto the global tennis stage with a WTA 125 event.

     

    Scheduled from January 26 to 31, 2026, the tournament will be contested on hard courts, featuring a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles bracket, with a total prize commitment of $115,000. Beyond the competition itself, the event signals a new chapter for Philippine tennis, giving local fans the rare opportunity to witness world-class players in action on home soil.

     

    The Philippine Women’s Open press conference took place on Tuesday, January 13, at Lanson Palace in Pasay City. Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) executive director Tonnette Mendoza highlighted that one of the primary reasons for hosting the event in Manila is to foster the growth of tennis in the Philippines, a country where basketball still dominates the sporting landscape.

     

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    “You know, just being near all these big, really good players, they are top 100 in the world, still at a different level, it’s really going to encourage them to be better at tennis. And then, of course, we really want the kids to come and watch. It’s hard to watch really world-class tennis, you have to go to another country. So it’s good that they are here,” Mendoza said.

    PHILTA also announced ticket prices for the milestone event, which were met with positive feedback for their affordability. Tickets range from P200 for the qualifying matches to P2,000 for the main draw, giving ordinary fans access to high-level competition.

     

    “Well, we really, of course we want to recover some of our expenses, but because the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is really helping us, we are able to keep our prices low. You know, at that level, and we are not thinking of making lots and lots of money. What we really want is for the people to come over,” Mendoza added, emphasizing the organization’s focus on accessibility and community engagement.

     

    Rising Filipino tennis stars Alex Eala and Tenny Madis will represent the country after securing wildcard entries as the top-ranked local players. For both athletes, competing at home offers not just a chance to gain invaluable experience against top international opponents, but also an opportunity to inspire a new generation of Filipino tennis players.

     

    The Philippine Women’s Open will be held at the historic Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila, promising thrilling tennis action while solidifying the Philippines’ presence on the global tennis stage. Beyond the matches, the event represents a major step forward for the sport in the country, giving fans and young athletes alike a chance to witness world-class competition without leaving home.

     

     

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  • Rising Filipina star Tenny Madis excited for WTA 125 debut at Philippine Women’s Open

    Rising Filipina star Tenny Madis excited for WTA 125 debut at Philippine Women’s Open

    Manila is set to serve up a historic moment for Philippine tennis, as the city prepares to host its first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament. The Philippine Women’s Open has been officially added to the 2026 WTA calendar, putting Manila on the global tennis stage with a WTA 125 event.

     

    Scheduled from January 26 to 31, 2026, the tournament will be played on hard courts, featuring a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles bracket, with a total prize commitment of $115,000. The event promises high-level competition while giving local fans a rare opportunity to witness world-class tennis on home soil.

     

    Rising Filipino tennis stars Tenny Madis and Alex Eala will represent the country after securing wildcard entries as the top-ranked local players. For Madis, the Philippine Women’s Open will mark her debut at a WTA 125 tournament—an opportunity she describes as both thrilling and special.

     

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    “I’m so very grateful for the wild card. It’s a great opportunity to compete at this higher level and gain valuable experience. So I see it as an invitation to do better, to do my best. It feels so special to compete at home and I’m very excited. Super excited kasi makalaban ko yung mga higher level na players,” Madis said during the Philippine Women’s Open press conference in Pasay City.

    The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakout year in 2025, capturing the Gentry Open Women’s singles title and the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Championship. She also secured two bronze medals at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, further establishing herself as one of the country’s brightest tennis prospects.

     

    Madis is now training intensively at the Philippine Tennis Academy under coach Bobie Angelo, focusing on improving her strength and preparing for the challenges of competing against higher-ranked WTA players.

     

    “I have been training consistently, with my team at the Philippine Tennis Academy, with coach Bobie Angelo, and my teammates as well. Yes, it’s very intensive training and mag-improve pa po yung muscles,” she shared.

     

    “The lessons po na ma-ano ko is to do my best and have fun. Palagi lang sinasabi ng coach ko, coach Bobie, laban para sa bayan and gapang talaga para sa bayan. So my goal is to compete well. And I just focus on to enjoy every match. And, yeah, to compete hard,” Madis added, highlighting her determination to represent the Philippines with pride.

     

    The Philippine Women’s Open will be held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila, offering thrilling tennis action for fans while providing a platform for local players to gain invaluable international experience. Beyond the competition, the tournament represents a major step forward for Philippine tennis, helping the country cement its presence on the global stage and inspiring the next generation of Filipino tennis players.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala builds Australian Open momentum with second straight win over Donna Vekic

    Alex Eala builds Australian Open momentum with second straight win over Donna Vekic

    Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala continued to build momentum on the eve of the season’s first Grand Slam, scoring another straight-sets win over Donna Vekic, 6-3, 6-4, in an exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne on Wednesday.

     

    The victory carried added meaning beyond the scoreboard. It marked Eala’s second win over the former world No. 19 in just over two weeks, following her three-set triumph at the WTA 125 ASB Classic in New Zealand earlier this month. More importantly, it reinforced the idea that Eala is arriving at the Australian Open not just prepared—but confident she can go toe-to-toe with established tour veterans.

     

    Despite the convincing result, Eala was quick to acknowledge the difficulty of the matchup.

     

    “I always have a tough time playing with her (Donna Vekic),” Eala said.

     

    The opening set tested that claim. Vekic seized an early 2-1 lead before Eala steadied herself, tying the score at 2-all and then stringing together a decisive run. 

     

    A six-point streak swung the momentum in her favor, allowing her to reclaim the lead at 3-2, and another five-point burst soon stretched it to 4-2. Eala maintained her composure down the stretch, closing the set at 6-3 despite a brief response from Vekic.

     

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    Vekic again struck first in the second set, but Eala responded immediately, leveling at 1-1 and later at 2-all. From there, the Filipina dictated play with greater authority, managing the key moments to seal the match, 6-4, without allowing the contest to drift into the kind of extended battle their New Zealand meeting produced.

     

    The performance left a strong impression on Eala herself.

     

    “I wanna say this is the best I’ve ever played,” she said.

     

    That statement may be the most telling takeaway as the Australian Open looms. While the Kooyong Classic is an exhibition event, Eala’s ability to back up a breakthrough win with another composed, straight-sets performance suggests real growth—not just in shot-making, but in belief and match management.

     

    Heading into Melbourne Park, Eala appears to be carrying something she has often chased in the early stages of her career: rhythm. Beating the same experienced opponent twice in a short span sends a clear signal that she is learning how to impose her game, absorb pressure, and close out matches against players accustomed to the Grand Slam spotlight.

     

    For a young Filipina still carving out her place on the tour, that may be the most valuable edge of all as she steps onto the Australian Open stage. 

     

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  • Alex Eala soars to career-high WTA No. 49, eyes Donna Vekić Rematch at Kooyong Classic before Australian Open

    Alex Eala soars to career-high WTA No. 49, eyes Donna Vekić Rematch at Kooyong Classic before Australian Open

    Alex Eala reaches new career-high WTA No. 49, to have rematch against Donna Vekic in Kooyong Classic ahead of Australian Open. 

     

    Alex Eala’s Australian swing continues to gather momentum, and her next stop is less about ranking points and more about rhythm, confidence, and unfinished business.

     

    Fresh off a semifinal run at the ASB Classic in Auckland, the Filipina standout has arrived in Melbourne for the 2026 Kooyong Classic, an invitation-only exhibition that traditionally acts as a final dress rehearsal before the Australian Open. 

     

    Scheduled from January 13 to 15, the event offers elite players a rare chance to sharpen their games under competitive conditions—without the pressure of the WTA points race.

     

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    For Eala, Kooyong carries an added layer of intrigue. She is set to face Croatia’s Donna Vekić on January 14 in an exhibition rematch that revisits their recent encounter in Auckland, where Eala sent the former world No. 19 packing in the opening round. 

     

    The matchup provides a familiar benchmark as Eala fine-tunes her form ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam in Melbourne.

     

    The timing could hardly be better. Entering Kooyong, Eala has climbed to a career-high No. 49 in the WTA rankings, a milestone that reflects her steady rise and growing consistency on tour. Rather than chasing points, the focus now shifts to maintaining momentum and adapting to Melbourne’s conditions before the Australian Open main draw begins.

     

    While Kooyong does not carry official WTA status, its role on the calendar is well-established. The singles-only exhibition draws a select group of ATP and WTA players looking for match play and visibility ahead of the Slam. Alongside Eala and Vekić, the 2026 field includes Australian world No. 121 Priscilla Hon and multiple Grand Slam mixed doubles champion Daniela Hantuchova.

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA Semis & Alex Eala’s Kooyong Classic Schedule

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA Semis & Alex Eala’s Kooyong Classic Schedule

    Fans of basketball and tennis are in for a jam-packed week as January heats up with key matchups across the NBA, the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, and the international tennis circuit. From high-stakes semifinals featuring TNT, Meralco, San Miguel, and Ginebra, to NBA teams battling for playoff positioning, and Alex Eala representing the Philippines at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne, there’s no shortage of action. Here’s a complete schedule to keep you on top of all the games and matches happening from January 13–18, 2026.

     

     

    🎾 Alex Eala – Kooyong Classic (Melbourne, Australia)

    January 13–15, 2026

    • January 13–15 – Alex Eala – Kooyong Classic, Melbourne, Australia

    🏀 NBA Schedule – January 13–18, 2026

    Tuesday, January 13, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Jazz @ Cavaliers 
    • 8:30 AM – Celtics @ Pacers 
    • 8:30 AM – 76ers @ Raptors 
    • 9:30 AM – Nets @ Mavericks 
    • 11:00 AM – Lakers @ Kings 
    • 11:30 AM – Hornets @ Clippers 

    Wednesday, January 14, 2026

    • 8:30 AM – Suns @ Heat 
    • 9:00 AM – Bulls @ Rockets 
    • 9:00 AM – Timberwolves @ Bucks 
    • 9:00 AM – Nuggets @ Pelicans 
    • 9:00 AM – Spurs @ Thunder 
    • 11:30 AM – Hawks @ Lakers 
    • 12:00 PM – Trail Blazers @ Warriors 

    Thursday, January 15, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Raptors @ Pacers 
    • 8:00 AM – Cavaliers @ 76ers 
    • 9:00 AM – Jazz @ Bulls 
    • 9:00 AM – Nets @ Pelicans 
    • 10:30 AM – Nuggets @ Mavericks 
    • 11:00 AM – Knicks @ Kings 
    • 11:30 AM – Wizards @ Clippers 

    Friday, January 16, 2026

    • 3:00 AM – Grizzlies @ Magic (NBA Berlin Game) 
    • 8:00 AM – Suns @ Pistons 
    • 8:30 AM – Celtics @ Heat 
    • 9:00 AM – Thunder @ Rockets 
    • 9:00 AM – Bucks @ Spurs 
    • 9:30 AM – Jazz @ Mavericks 
    • 11:00 AM – Knicks @ Warriors 
    • 11:30 AM – Hawks @ Trail Blazers 
    • 10:00 AM – Hornets @ Lakers 

    Saturday, January 17, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Pelicans @ Pacers 
    • 8:00 AM – Cavaliers @ 76ers 
    • 8:30 AM – Bulls @ Nets 
    • 10:30 AM – Clippers @ Raptors 
    • 11:00 AM – Timberwolves @ Rockets 
    • 11:00 AM – Wizards @ Kings 

    Sunday, January 18, 2026

    • 6:00 AM – Jazz @ Mavericks 
    • 8:30 AM – Celtics @ Hawks 
    • 8:30 AM – Pacers @ Pistons 
    • 8:30 AM – Suns @ Knicks 
    • 9:00 AM – Thunder @ Heat 
    • 9:00 AM – Timberwolves @ Spurs 
    • 9:30 AM – Hornets @ Warriors 
    • 10:00 AM – Wizards @ Nuggets 
    • 11:00 AM – Lakers @ Trail Blazers

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    🏀 PBA Philippine Cup – Semifinals (Best-of-7)

    Series Standings

    • SF1: San Miguel Beermen 2–2 Barangay Ginebra 
    • SF2: TNT Tropang Giga 3–1 Meralco Bolts 

    Wednesday, January 14, 2026 – Smart Araneta Coliseum

    • 5:15 PM – TNT Tropang Giga vs Meralco Bolts (Game 5)
    • 7:30 PM – San Miguel Beermen vs Barangay Ginebra (Game 5)

    Friday, January 16, 2026 – Ynares Center, Antipolo

    • 5:15 PM – San Miguel Beermen vs Barangay Ginebra (Game 6)
    • 7:30 PM – TNT Tropang Giga vs Meralco Bolts (Game 6 – if necessary)

    Sunday, January 18, 2026 – Smart Araneta Coliseum

    • 5:15 PM – TNT Tropang Giga vs Meralco Bolts (Game 7 – if necessary)
    • 7:30 PM – San Miguel Beermen vs Barangay Ginebra (Game 7 – if necessary)

       

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