Auckland: Filipino Alexandra Eala defeated fifth seed Marga Linette of Poland, 6-3, 6-2, to reach the ASB Classic semifinal in Auckland, New Zealand on Friday. The fourth-seeded Eala will face No. 7 Chinese Xinyu Wang, who was leading 6-4, 4-3 when her opponent, Francesca Jones of Great Britain, retired.

According to Philippines News Agency, the world No. 53 Eala previously defeated Croatians Donna Vekic, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the first round, and Petra Marcinko, 6-0, 6-2 in the round of 16. Eala expressed satisfaction with her performance, stating, "I do what I can and if I see an opening, I think it's important I go for it. Magda is such an experienced player and I had difficulties playing against her before, so I'm just happy to see my level increase and improve."

Wang, ranked No. 57, also secured victories over American Caty McNally, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, and Mexican Renata Zarazua, 7-5, 6-4. Meanwhile, world No. 31 and tournament top seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine survived a tough match against Sonay Kartal of Great Britain, 6-4, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (5), to arrange a semifinal showdown with third seed Iva Jovic of the United States.

The world No. 35 Jovic prevailed over Sofia Costoulas of Belgium, 6-2, 7-6 (6).