Alexandra “Alex” Eala is returning home a hero, poised to lead the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open (PWO) beginning January 26th. This landmark tournament, held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, arrives on the heels of her historic debut in the main draw of the Australian Open, marking a new era for Philippine tennis.
A jubilant welcome awaited Eala upon her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a testament to the nation’s pride. She confirmed her participation with a radiant smile, expressing her excitement to compete on home soil and urging Filipinos to rally behind the country’s rising tennis stars. “It’s a huge milestone,” she declared, “a big deal for all of us Filipina tennis players.”
Eala’s presence elevates the PWO to a truly significant event, solidifying the Philippines’ place on the women’s professional tennis circuit. While her Australian Open campaign concluded earlier than hoped, the experience itself was a monumental achievement, pushing her to new heights in the sport.
Despite a first-round loss to Alycia Parks, Eala reached a career-high No. 44 in the Women’s Tennis Association rankings – a first for any Filipina. This remarkable climb underscores her dedication and talent, fueling anticipation for her performance in Manila. Her doubles campaign with Ingrid Martins also faced a tough challenge, ending in a close defeat.
The atmosphere surrounding the PWO is electric, with tickets already sold out through the final day. Eala will share the court with fellow Filipinas Stefi Aludo and Tenny Madis, creating a powerful home team. This tournament represents her fourth competition of the season, building on strong performances in Auckland and Melbourne.
Eala’s recent successes include a stunning run to the semifinals in Auckland and a championship victory at the Kooyong Classic, where she defeated Wimbledon semifinalist Donna Vekic. These triumphs, coupled with her two girls’ doubles Grand Slam titles, demonstrate her potential to dominate the WTA tour.
The PWO presents Eala with an opportunity to claim her second WTA title, following her breakthrough win in Guadalajara last year. However, the competition will be fierce, featuring a formidable lineup of international players, including Tatjana Maria, Wang Xinyu, and Donna Vekic.
A remarkable 24 players participating in the PWO also competed in the Australian Open, promising a high-caliber and intensely competitive tournament. The Philippines hopes this event will become a permanent fixture on the WTA Tour, potentially attracting even higher-level competitions in the future.
Following the PWO, Eala will continue her WTA Tour journey with a qualifying round entry in the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. Her unwavering commitment and exceptional skill continue to inspire, carrying the hopes of a nation with every swing of her racket.
