Alex Eala makes history with first WTA title in Guadalajara

Alex Eala has finally captured her first WTA singles crown—making tennis history for the Philippines—at the WTA 125 Guadalajara Open.

The 20-year-old Filipina rallied from a shaky start to defeat Hungary’s Panna Udvardy, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, in a thrilling two-hour, 30-minute final at Mexico’s Panamerican Tennis Center. Seeded No. 2,  

The win catapulted her to No. 61 in the WTA live rankings, marking another milestone in her young career.

“First title,” Eala posted on social media, offering thanks to her Filipino supporters: “Mga kababayan, maraming salamat.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praised Eala for “writing history” and pledged stronger government backing for grassroots sports. 

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal, whose academy helped develop Eala’s game, also congratulated her and expressed his pride in her achievement.

With this breakthrough, Eala now owns five titles—adding a WTA crown to her junior Grand Slam triumphs—and continues to raise the Philippine flag on the global tennis stage.