Iva Jovic impressed at the 2026 ASB Classic and will return for the 2027 competition. Photo / Photosport

When ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin sat down in March to plan the 2027 events, two names were near the top of his list.

The first was Filipina Alexandra Eala, who created a massive buzz here in January and has continued to make a splash on the WTA tour.