Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic defeated Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina in a cross-generational doubles match at the ASB Classic.
Eala was full of praise for Williams and Svitolina after the match, having been inspired by both when she was an aspiring tennis player.
Jovic and Eala’s combined age is just 38, which is seven years younger than Williams, who is returning to tennis for the first time since the 2025 US Open.
After dispatching the legends in Auckland, Eala and Jovic have shared messages on Instagram about the victory.
Jovic shared an Instagram Story of the match, with the caption: “Me when Alexandra Eala is doing all the work.”
Eala downplayed her work during their doubles win by replying: “Says the one who saved all the set points.”
The pair had a real battle on their hands during the first set, which they eventually won with a narrow tie-break.
The rising stars then took control of the match by soaring to a 6-1 victory in the second set to defeat the two icons.
Eala and Jovic will play the winners of Asia Muhammad and Erin Routliffe vs Jesika Malečková and Renata Zarazúa.
Eala and Jovic are both competing in the singles of the ASB Classic as well as their high-profile doubles appearance.
Jovic defeated Gabriela Knutson in three sets in her opening round match to set up a second round clash with Sára Bejlek.
Eala, meanwhile, is yet to play her first round match. She will play 2024 Wimbledon quarter-finalist Donna Vekic for the first time in her career.
Jovic and Eala are not on the same side of the draw, so their only meeting at the ASB Classic can be in the final.
A final meeting between the two rising stars is possible, however, as the pair are the third and fourth seeds respectively.
