ASB Classic 2026: Semifinals Preview and Schedule

The ASB Classic in Auckland has reached the penultimate stage, delivering a compelling mix of established stardom and rising talent for the semifinals on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The matchup features Filipino sensation Alexandra Eala taking on China’s Xinyu Wang, followed by a blockbuster clash between top seed Elina Svitolina and American teenage prodigy Iva Jovic.

Below is the preview and schedule for the semifinals at the Manuka Doctor Arena.

ASB Classic 2026 Semifinals Schedule

Date: Saturday, 10 January 2026 Venue: Centre Court, Manuka Doctor Arena, Auckland, NZL

Not before 5:30 PM: [4] Alexandra Eala (PHI) vs. [7] Xinyu Wang (CHN)
Followed by: [1] Elina Svitolina (UKR) vs. [3] Iva Jovic (USA)

Match Previews

[4] Alexandra Eala (PHI) vs. [7] Xinyu Wang (CHN)

This all-Asian semifinal pits the aggressive lefty game of Alexandra Eala against the powerful baseline striking of Xinyu Wang.

Alexandra Eala: The 20-year-old Filipino star continues to make history, chasing her first WTA final. Eala has evolved from a counter-puncher into an aggressive baseliner, utilizing her lefty forehand to dictate points and dictate play from the back of the court. Her composure has been a standout feature this week; she has successfully managed “mid-match meltdowns” and shown maturity in constructing points, a trait she credits to her team and family.
Xinyu Wang: Wang, currently ranked No. 57, brings significant power and experience, having reached a career-high of No. 32 in 2023. Her game is built on a high-risk, high-reward strategy, often dominating with her first serve (winning 66.3% of first serve points) and heavy groundstrokes. However, her second serve can be vulnerable (winning only roughly 45% of points), which Eala will look to exploit.
Key Battle: The match will likely be decided by who can control the baseline. Eala will need to use her lefty spin to neutralize Wang’s flat power and move the Chinese player laterally, testing her defensive movement.

[1] Elina Svitolina (UKR) vs. [3] Iva Jovic (USA)

A classic “experience vs. youth” encounter headlines the evening session, as former World No. 3 Elina Svitolina faces 18-year-old American Iva Jovic.

Elina Svitolina: The top seed and tournament favorite is renowned for her elite movement, defensive resilience, and counter-attacking ability. Svitolina effectively turns defense into offense, using deep, precise shots to frustrate power hitters. Her mental toughness is a major asset, often helping her survive tight matches where she is the target everyone wants to beat.
Iva Jovic: Jovic is one of the tour’s brightest young stars, having already reached a career-high ranking of No. 33 in late 2025. Known for her “goldfish memory”—the ability to quickly forget mistakes and reset—she fights tenaciously, a quality that helped her survive a tough three-set encounter in the previous round. Her two-handed backhand is a potent weapon, and she has shown she can compete on big stages, having made the second round of the US Open and Australian Open recently.
Key Battle: Svitolina will look to extend rallies and force the teenager into unforced errors. Jovic must remain patient, avoiding the trap of over-hitting against Svitolina’s defense, while using her backhand to open up the court.

Atmosphere & Venue

The semifinals will take place at the Manuka Doctor Arena, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric. Fans can enjoy the action not just from the stands but also from “The Serve,” a vibrant hospitality hub featuring giant screens, live DJs, and Auckland’s best eateries like The Bach and Somersby Garden. With a large Filipino community in Auckland supporting Eala and the local crowd rallying behind the top seeds, the energy on Centre Court will be palpable.