AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Filipina tennis star Alex Eala and her American partner Iva Jovic scored a stunning upset in the women’s doubles at the ASB Classic on Monday, defeating seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams and former world No. 3 Elina Svitolina in straight sets.
The unseeded pair of Eala and Jovic prevailed 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 over the veteran duo in a match that showcased the rising talent of the younger team against one of the sport’s most decorated names.
After a tightly contested first set that went to a tiebreaker, Eala and Jovic seized control in the second, breaking their opponents repeatedly to close out the victory in convincing fashion.
The win gives Eala, a 20-year-old former junior world No. 1, and Jovic a strong opening to their campaign at the WTA 250 event in Auckland, where they faced a high-profile pairing with extensive Grand Slam experience.
Williams, 45, and Svitolina were playing their first tournament together. The result marks another notable achievement for Eala, who continues to make strides on the professional tour representing the Philippines.
