Fresh off a landmark season that catapulted her into the world’s top 50, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is gearing up for another major challenge—this time on home turf in the region. The 20-year-old phenom confirmed that she intends to represent the Philippines at the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December, capping off what has been the most successful year of her professional career.
Eala’s statement came shortly after her campaign at the 2025 Hong Kong Open, where she fell in a hard-fought three-setter to Canada’s Victoria Mboko in the round of 16. Despite the loss, her performance throughout the season has been nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by a dream semifinal finish at the Miami Open and a first-ever WTA 125 title win in Guadalajara.
“It’s been an incredible season,” Eala said after her Hong Kong match. “The goal was just to break into the top 100, but we’ve gone far beyond that. I’m grateful to my team, to everyone who believed in me. Next year is all about improving and representing the country the best way I can.”
The Southeast Asian Games will mark Eala’s return to the regional stage, where she previously bagged three bronze medals during her debut in the 2022 Hanoi edition — in singles, mixed doubles, and team events. She followed that up with a pair of bronzes in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, proving her consistency as one of the Philippines’ brightest young athletes.
Now ranked No. 51 in the WTA world rankings, Eala is seen as a top contender for gold in Thailand. Her rise has been a source of national pride, with her historic US Open main draw win — the first ever by a Filipina — cementing her place in Philippine sports history.
Beyond her personal ambitions, Eala is also championing the growth of tennis back home. She expressed excitement over ongoing discussions for a possible WTA 125 tournament to be held in Manila next year — a first in Philippine tennis history. “If it happens, it would be huge,” she said. “We never had tournaments of that level before. It’s a sign that Philippine tennis is moving forward, and that’s something I’m very proud to see.”
As she takes a brief pause before the SEA Games, Eala remains focused on momentum — not just for her own career, but for the future of Filipino tennis. “This season showed what’s possible with hard work and belief,” she said. “Now it’s time to bring that same energy to the SEA Games. I’m ready.”