All news tagged AlexEala

Two of the Philippines’ most prominent athletes in 2025, tennis star Alex Eala and volleyball standout Bryan Bagunas, have been selected as flag bearers for the country in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games this December in Thailand.

“Popularity aside, Alex and Bryan have made impacts in the global sports community, and that makes them the best choice to carry the flag in the SEA Games,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino on Tuesday, December 2.

Eala capped her 2025 WTA season with a career-high No. 50 world ranking, highlighted by breakthrough wins over top-tier opponents. Bagunas led Alas Pilipinas in a historic run at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, including a landmark victory over nine-time African champion Egypt and a tight battle against world No. 15 Iran.

The duo will front the Philippines’ 200-strong opening ceremony contingent on December 9 at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.

Eala enters the SEA Games as one of the tournament favorites, standing as the highest-ranked Filipina in history and one of the top-ranked Asians alongside Indonesian contender Janice Tjen. The Philippines aims to reclaim the women’s singles gold for the first time since 1999.

Bagunas, meanwhile, continues to anchor Alas Pilipinas’ push to finally break the long-standing men’s volleyball dominance of Indonesia and Thailand. The national team last reached the SEA Games podium in 2019, finishing with a silver.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio underscored the importance of sports development in the country, stressing that sports should be viewed as a long-term investment—not a waste of funds.

In a media interview by Scoreline.ph, Gregorio highlighted the PSC’s ongoing push to improve sports facilities nationwide, starting with the renovation of the Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts, which is expected to begin in the coming days.

“Sports is an investment,” said Gregorio. “It’s never a waste of money. When a child succeeds because of sports, when a community unites because of sports, that is something invaluable.”

Preparations for WTA Event in Manila

The PSC is gearing up to host a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament in January 2026, marking a major milestone for Philippine tennis. Gregorio said bleacher expansion is underway to increase spectator capacity.

“We hope to accommodate at least 2,000 people in January,” he shared. “If we want to bid for bigger WTA events in the future, we may need to move to a larger venue like New Clark City. The BCDA has given us ample land there for future sports development.”

Alex Eala Expected to Join

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is set to headline the event, barring any scheduling conflict with the Australian Open.

“The only chance she won’t be able to play is if there’s a conflict with the Australian Open semifinals or finals,” Gregorio said. “But if she succeeds in Australia, we’ll all be very happy. And if she becomes available after the early rounds, then she will join us.”

Gregorio emphasized that hosting a WTA event is not only a showcase of world-class tennis but also an opportunity to highlight Filipino talent.

“One day, we hope to see more Alex Ealas. I’m sure she also wants to be the reason tennis will grow bigger in the Philippines. And that is very exciting.”

WTA in PH for the Next Three Years

The PSC aims to host a WTA tournament annually for the next three years, making international tennis a recurring highlight in the Philippine sports calendar.

“We’re committed,” Gregorio said. “This is just the beginning.”

Philippine tennis star Alex Eala will kick off her preparations for the 2026 season by competing in the 2025 MGM Macau Tennis Masters, an invitational tournament slated for December 27–28 at the Macao Forum.

The 20-year-old, who finished inside the WTA Top 50 this year, will join fellow WTA star Mirra Andreeva in the two-day event, which also features team captains and Grand Slam champions Li Na and Conchita Martinez. Eala and Andreeva are the only WTA players in the lineup, with one more participant yet to be announced.

Eala’s appearance in Macau follows her participation with the Philippine team at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand earlier in December. She is currently enjoying a short break in the Philippines before diving into her offseason training and competitive schedule.

The invitational will also showcase top ATP players, including home favorite Shang Juncheng, ATP World No. 10 Jack Draper, and Jakub Mensik, making the event a high-profile curtain-raiser ahead of the next tennis season.

For Eala, the Macau Tennis Masters represents an early test against top international competition and a chance to build momentum heading into a critical 2026 campaign.

After wrapping up her season with a hard-fought Round-of-16 loss to Canada’s Victoria Mboko (3-6, 6-3, 6-4) at the Hong Kong Open, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is already looking ahead — with the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) firmly in her sights.

“SEA Games is in my plans. It’s definitely in my plans,” said Eala after her match in Hong Kong.

The 20-year-old sensation, who has become one of the brightest young stars in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour, is expected to bring her world-class form to Team Philippines when the 33rd SEA Games take place this December in Thailand.

Eala is coming off a breakthrough WTA season, highlighted by a dream semifinal run in the Miami Open, which propelled her into the top 75 in the world rankings and eventually to her career-best ranking of No. 51.

“It’s really amazing. The target I had to end the year was to make the top 100 and that was kind of like pushing it. We got past it by a mile. I’m so happy with regards to next year,” said Eala. “I’m confident that my team has planned and we’ll plan accordingly and I’m here to give it my all and I’ll do my best to get better.”

Her 2025 campaign also featured several historic milestones — including the Philippines’ first-ever US Open main draw victory, when she defeated Clara Tauson in the first round, and her first WTA title at the Guadalajara 125 Open.

With her momentum and confidence at an all-time high, Eala’s potential SEA Games return could provide a major boost to Philippine tennis — and another chance to make history for the country.

“If it were to happen, I would be so, so happy, and it’s just such a milestone for Philippine tennis. Not just obviously for me but for everybody there because growing up, we never had these kinds of tournaments. As long as I can remember, we didn’t even have a 15K in a professional international tournament, so to come in with a 125 is such a big step, and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come.”

“It’s only the start, so I’m so happy with that news, even if it’s just in the talks. The fact that they took a step and we’re taking action is something I’m so proud of and excited to see evolve.” Eala added.

Alex Eala ended her string of early exits in singles play as she advanced to the second round of the Prudential Hong Kong Open on Tuesday night.

The 20-year-old Filipina tennis ace was leading 6-4, 2-1 when Great Britain’s Katie Boulter, last year’s runner-up, was forced to retire due to a left leg injury.

With the victory, Eala booked a spot in the Round of 16, where she faces third seed and world No. 21 Victoria Mboko of Canada. The match marks a big opportunity for Eala to bounce back after suffering consecutive first-round eliminations in Guangzhou, Osaka, and Wuhan.

“I’m really happy to advance to the next round. Obviously, it’s not in the way I wanted it to end,” said Eala, who wished her opponent a speedy recovery.

Eala entered the WTA 250 tournament with a career-high world ranking of No. 51—a testament to her continued rise on the global tennis stage.

Alex Eala is set for her next test at the Japan Women’s Open, opening her campaign today, October 14, against Czech player Tereza Valentova. 

The 19-year-old Filipina tennis star continues to climb the international rankings, now at a career-high No. 54, and is eager for another breakthrough to bring pride to the Philippines.

The Japan Open boasts a stacked field, headlined by top seed and world No. 16 Naomi Osaka, world No. 17 Linda Noskova, No. 21 Elise Mertens, No. 27 Leylah Fernandez, No. 41 Marie Bouzkova, No. 49 Olga Danilovic, No. 42 Ann Li, and No. 40 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

Eala will look to build on her momentum as she takes on the world’s best on the Japanese hard courts. 

In the meantime, Eala has been enjoying her time in Japan with her parents and coach, making the most of the experience both on and off the court.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala continues her steady climb in the professional ranks, reaching a new career-high of World No. 54 in the latest WTA rankings released on Monday. This achievement surpasses her previous best of No. 56 set in June, marking another milestone in what has been her most impressive season yet.

Eala’s rise from No. 58 comes on the heels of a productive Asian swing, where she competed in a trio of WTA events in China. The 20-year-old advanced to the semifinals of the WTA 125 Jingshan Open and the quarterfinals of the WTA 125 Suzhou Open, before bowing out in the Wuhan Open qualifiers, a WTA 1000 tournament.
 

Talks now are underway for the country’s potential hosting of a WTA event, a move that could mark a major milestone for Philippine tennis.

The proposed WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open is being targeted for January 26 to February 1 next year, following initial discussions between the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (Philta), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco.

Also discussed was opening the historic Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts to the public, aiming to expand grassroots access to the sport.

“Our partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission paves the way for a new chapter in Philippine tennis,” said Tiangco, who also serves as Philta secretary general. “From pursuing the hosting of the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open and ITF J30 to opening Rizal Memorial courts to the public and building the Philippine Tennis Center in New Clark City, we are bringing world-class opportunities closer to home. Tennis transforms lives, and with PSC’s support, we are determined to help Filipinos rise and shine on the world stage.”

If the plan materializes, fans may even witness Filipina star Alex Eala competing on home soil—a potential highlight as she continues her climb in the global rankings.

For PSC Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, the initiative goes beyond hosting a single tournament.

“This is more than a tournament. This is about giving our athletes the chance to test themselves against the world’s best, inspiring the next generation, and placing the Philippines firmly on the global tennis map. The greatest champions began their journeys on public courts. By opening access and investing in world-class events, we are giving Filipinos the same chance to dream big and achieve greatness.” Gregorio stressed. 

Beyond the WTA discussions, the Philippines is also set to host the ITF J30 Tournament later this year, featuring promising players aged 13 to 18.

With both grassroots development and elite competitions in play, Philippine tennis is gearing up for a future that blends accessibility, international exposure, and the dream of producing more homegrown champions.

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala powered into the quarterfinals of the 2025 São Paulo Open with a dominant 6-1, 6-4 win over Argentina’s Julia Riera. 

Eala broke early to take the first set and weathered a tougher challenge in the second before sealing victory in one hour and 25 minutes.

The match marked their third career meeting, with Eala and Riera now tied in head-to-head encounters on hard courts. 

With this win, Eala sets up a quarterfinal clash against Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, who has enjoyed a strong season with a 59–11 record and a career-high WTA ranking of No. 130.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed Senate Resolution No. 117, commending Filipina tennis star Alex Eala for her maiden Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) title at the Guadalajara 125 Open. 

Senator Go highlighted Eala’s victory as a testament to discipline, resilience, and excellence—qualities that uplift national pride and inspire young Filipino athletes.

Go’s resolution emphasized that Eala’s triumph goes beyond personal achievement, reflecting the capacity of Filipinos to excel globally when given support and opportunity. 

He anchored the resolution on the Philippine Constitution’s mandate to promote sports, citing Article XIV, Section 19.

In his remarks, Go praised Eala’s come-from-behind win over Hungary’s Panna Udvardy, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, and her consistent display of the “indomitable Filipino competitive spirit.” 

He said Eala’s feat is both a career milestone and a rallying point for national pride.

Go further underscored the need for sustained investment in sports. He spotlighted the National Academy of Sports (NAS), established under Republic Act No. 11470, which he authored and co-sponsored, and pushed for its regional expansion through Senate Bill No. 171. 

He also filed bills to enhance incentives for para-athletes, institutionalize grassroots and collegiate sports competitions, and improve sports facilities nationwide.

Since becoming Senate Committee on Sports chair in 2019, Go has championed Philippine sports, supporting facility improvements and athlete development. 

He noted this era has seen historic achievements, including the country’s first Olympic gold and twin golds at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

By filing the resolution, Go seeks to honor Eala and reaffirm the vital role of sports in national development, situating her triumph within the broader context of Philippine athletic progress.

Alex Eala continued her hot streak, advancing to the second round of the São Paulo Open with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 win over French qualifier Yasmine Mansouri. 

The Filipina, fresh off her first WTA title, needed just one hour and 10 minutes to dominate the match, winning 34 service points and 31 return points against Mansouri’s 15.

“I did not expect so many people to come out and watch me play. I guess I was a bit lucky to be sandwiched in between two great Brazilians so I’m now just happy to be here and to be able to play well,” Eala said. 

Eala, ranked 61st in the world, expressed her delight at the support from local fans in her first visit to Brazil. 

She now faces World No. 188 Julia Riera in the round of 16, with their match scheduled for early Thursday morning (Manila time).

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal was quick to congratulate Filipina star Alex Eala after her breakthrough WTA title win at the Guadalajara 125 Open in Mexico. 

Nadal, who posted his message on X (formerly Twitter), praised Eala’s achievement and her impact on Philippine tennis.

“Congrats @AlexEala05 for your first WTA (trophy). I am happy and proud of what you are achieving for yourself and for the Philippines,” wrote Nadal.

Eala, who trains at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, rallied to defeat Hungary’s Panna Udvardy and claim her first WTA crown—the first ever for a Filipina. 

Meanwhile, the Filipina tennis star Alex Eala continued her steady climb in the world rankings, moving up to No. 61 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) standings ahead of her campaign in the WTA 250 São Paulo Open in Brazil.

The 20-year-old lefty, seeded third in the tournament, opened against French qualifier Yasmine Mansouri (WTA No. 380) in a match today.

Eala jumped 14 places from her previous rank of No. 75 following her historic breakthrough in Mexico, where she captured her and the Philippines’ first-ever WTA crown by rallying past Hungary’s Panna Udvardy, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, in the Guadalajara 125 final.

Her momentum also came from a memorable debut main-draw victory at the US Open, where she stunned World No. 15 Clara Tauson of Denmark, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11). That result marked her first Grand Slam singles win after featuring in all four majors this season.

Eala’s latest ranking puts her on course to surpass her career-best No. 56, which she reached in June after a runner-up finish at the Eastbourne Open.

Following her Brazil stint, Eala is expected to join tournaments in Asia as part of her buildup for a possible return to the Philippine team in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December. 

She previously won three bronze medals in the 2022 SEA Games in Hanoi but skipped the 2023 edition in Phnom Penh.

Fresh off her historic WTA victory in Guadalajara, Alex Eala is set to headline the São Paulo Open in Brazil. 

The No. 3 seed, now ranked 61st in the world, opens against French qualifier Yasmine Mansouri. A win will pit her against either Argentina’s Julia Riera or Russia’s Vitalia Diatchenko in the next round.

Eala made history last week by becoming the first Filipina to win a WTA title, defeating Hungary’s Panna Udvardy in a thrilling final. 

Her recent success follows a strong US Open run and has boosted her prize money earnings to over P15 million this season.

With momentum on her side, Eala is eyeing back-to-back titles as she continues her impressive rise on the tour.

Meanwhile, the retired former No. 1 Spanish player Rafael Nadal, lauded Eala’s achievement for clinching her first-ever WTA title.

“Congrats @AlexEala05 for your first WTA (trophy). I am happy and proud of what you are achieving for yourself and for the Philippines,” wrote Nadal on X (formerly Twitter).

It can be recalled that the Filipina ace started her journey at the Rafa Nadal Academy, where she is an alumnae. She has also been continuously training at the academy in her pro career.

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.

Alex Eala’s US Open campaign ended in the second round with a 4-6, 4-6 defeat to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa on Thursday morning (Manila time) at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.

Despite strong support from Filipino fans on Court 7, the 20-year-old Filipina couldn’t build on her dramatic first-round win over world No. 14 Clara Tauson. 

Eala, ranked No. 75, led 4-3 in the opening set but lost momentum after a crucial forehand error, allowing the 95th-ranked Bucsa to take control and save three break points to secure the set.

The second set slipped away after a 2-2 tie, as Eala’s unforced errors and a double fault proved costly. The result evened their head-to-head at 1-1, with Eala’s lone win over Bucsa coming in 2021.

Despite the loss, Eala’s round-of-64 finish marks her best Grand Slam result to date, improving on earlier exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

Her breakthrough run to the US Open main draw came after a strong showing at the Miami Open, which propelled her into the WTA Top 100.

Next up, Eala is slated to compete as the third seed at the WTA 250 São Paulo Open in Brazil, starting on September 8.

On National Heroes’ Day, Alex Eala delivered her own brand of heroism in New York, pulling off a dramatic 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11) comeback win over world No. 15 Clara Tauson of Denmark in her US Open main draw debut.

The 20-year-old Filipina staged a stunning rally from 1-5 down in the deciding set, then survived a marathon tiebreak to claim her first-ever Grand Slam main draw victory—becoming the first Filipino player to achieve this milestone.

“I’m super over the moon with what I was able to do today, especially coming back in the third. I’ve lost these tight tiebreaks before, so to come out on top is unforgettable,” Eala said.

Eala, now ranked No. 75, next faces either Spain’s Cristina Bucsa (No. 35) or American qualifier Claire Liu, in a tough bracket stacked with top seeds like Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, Jasmine Paolini, and Elena Rybakina.

For Eala, the win was made even sweeter by the home-like energy from over 8,000 fans—family, coaches, and Filipino supporters—cheering her on at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

“I don’t have a home tournament, so having this community at the US Open made me feel at home,” she added.

The thrilling win reverberated back in Manila, with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. among those celebrating Eala’s grit and history-making feat: “She’s only getting started. Congratulations Alex Eala. The entire Philippines is with you every step of the way.”

From the brink of defeat to a place in history, Alex Eala’s US Open breakthrough is a win for herself and for Philippine tennis.

Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala has arrived in New York, ready to make her mark in the US Open main draw as she continues her transition from junior standout to full-time professional.

Eala announced her arrival with an Instagram post from Manhattan, simply captioned: “New York, New York.” The 19-year-old secured her main-draw slot through a steady climb in the WTA rankings, highlighted by strong showings earlier this year, including an impressive run at the Miami Open.

A recent shoulder injury forced Eala to withdraw from both the Cincinnati and Monterrey Opens, causing her to slip to World No. 70. Now, she’s aiming to bounce back and regain momentum in the season’s final Grand Slam.

This US Open campaign marks another pivotal chapter in Eala’s budding career—as the former US Open girls’ doubles champion seeks to make her presence felt among the sport’s elite. With Filipino fans rallying behind her, she’s hoping for a breakthrough performance.

The US Open kicks off on August 26, with Eala entering as an unseeded player likely to face a tough opening challenge. Still, her track record suggests she’s ready to spring a surprise on tennis’s grandest stage.

Vacation is over and now is the time to work hard. 

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala is back on court and training hard at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain. 

The 20-year-old resumed practice after a shoulder injury forced her to withdraw from the Cincinnati tournament.

Eala’s injury also impacted her Montreal Open campaign, where she battled valiantly but ultimately fell to Czech star Marketa Vondrousova in three sets: 6-3, 1-6, 2-6.

Now ranked No. 68 in the world, Eala is determined to bounce back and make a strong showing at the upcoming US Open. 

Her recent rankings dip (from a career-high No. 56 in June) has only stoked her drive to rise even higher. 

All the best, Alex. 

Alex Eala is taking a well-deserved break following a demanding run across the clay, grass, and hard court seasons.

The 20-year-old Filipina tennis star recently shared a seaside photo on Instagram with the caption, “Is this what they call eurosummer?”

Her break comes at a crucial time, after requiring a medical timeout during her first-round match against Markéta Vondroušová at the National Bank Open in Montreal.

This rest period will allow Eala to recover and prepare for her next major appearance at the US Open in New York.

To prioritize her recovery, Eala and her team have decided she will skip both the upcoming Cincinnati Open and the Abierto GNP Seguros in Monterrey, Mexico.

As a result, she is expected to slide in the WTA rankings due to missing out on potential points from these events. 

Meanwhile, the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) is hopeful that Alex Eala will represent the country at the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok this December.

“We’re hoping she could play for the Philippines. Let’s all pray she does,” said Philta Executive Director Tonette Mendoza.

Mendoza said Eala’s participation will depend on her schedule, as the world No. 65 is working on arrangements but is eager to compete.

“She’s just trying to fit it into her schedule, but she seems very excited, so we really hope she can make it,” Mendoza added.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala bowed out of the Canadian Open after a hard-fought three-set defeat to Czechia’s Marketa Vondrousova, 6-3, 1-6, 2-6, in Montreal early Monday morning (Manila time).

Eala, ranked World No. 69, looked sharp early, taking the opening set after breaking a 3-all deadlock and winning three straight games. However, playing with her left shoulder taped, she couldn’t sustain her momentum against the former Wimbledon champion.

Vondrousova, currently World No. 65, seized control in the second set. After splitting the first two games, she swept the next five to level the match, 6-1.

The Czech star carried her dominance into the decider, racing to a 2-0 lead. Eala managed to hold serve to cut the gap to 2-1, but Vondrousova’s steadiness and experience proved too much as she clinched four of the last five games to close out the match.

While Eala produced more winners (30 to Vondrousova’s 27), her 29 unforced errors proved costly compared to the Czech’s 16. Vondrousova also fired seven aces, while Eala had none.

“I expected [Eala] to play a great match and she had some good results before, so I expected that. It was a tough one and I’m very happy to beat her,” said Vondrousova, an Olympic silver medalist. “She’s very aggressive. My serve was better in the second and third sets, so I’m happy to fight back in this match.”

Vondrousova advances to face Marta Kostyuk in the second round. Eala, meanwhile, will shift her focus to the Cincinnati Open next month.