Alexandra Eala suffered a heartbreaking loss to Wang Xinyu in the semi-final of the ASB Classic in Auckland.
The Filipina star led 5-3 in the deciding set, but Wang Xinyu produced a comeback to reach the ASB Classic final.
Eala was impressive in Auckland and picked up victories against Xin Wang, Magda Linette, Petra Marčinko, and Donna Vekic.
The star, who will rise to World No. 49 in the WTA Tour rankings, has now reacted to the difficult semi-final defeat.
Alexandra Eala shares reaction to ASB Classic defeat
Eala produced a stunning comeback from 5-1 down in the first set to take the advantage in the semi-final, but she was on the receiving end of a comeback to lose the match.
Nevertheless, Eala’s impressive run was an incredible way to start the year for the hotly-tipped 20-year-old.
How high do you think Alexandra Eala’s ceiling is?
Taking to Instagram after the loss, the Filipina star wrote: ‘Til my heart stops. So close yet so far. Thank you Auckland for the warmest hospitality to start the year. Truly felt the wairua.”
Eala had been dubbed a fan favourite during her time in Auckland and her battling performance against Wang Xinyu will continue to earn her respect from tennis fans.
The 20-year-old star will now continue her preparation for her very first Australian Open main draw match after automatically qualifying thanks to her ranking.
Where will Alexandra Eala play next?
It’s a testament to Eala’s rise that her next tournament will see her enter as the top ranked player at the event.
Eala will play the Kooyong Classic, a three-day exhibition event just prior to the Australian Open for her next appearance.
What could stop Alexandra Eala from finishing 2026 inside the top 20?
The star will play alongside several high-profile names, including four-time Grand Slam winner Daniela Hantuchova.
Eala will also play against Vekic and Priscilla Hon at the Melbourne tournament, which has previously been won by Belinda Bencic and Yanina Wickmayer.
