A fierce rivalry has blossomed into an extraordinary partnership. Filipina sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala and Indonesian star Janice Tjen, once opponents battling for supremacy, are now joining forces to elevate Southeast Asian tennis on the world stage.
Their first encounter on the professional circuit came last year in the quarterfinals of the WTA 250 Sao Paulo Open in Brazil. Tjen emerged victorious, defeating Eala 6-4, 6-1, a result that propelled her to become the first Indonesian semifinalist in WTA Tour history.
Eala had already broken barriers, becoming the first Filipina to reach a WTA semifinal at the Miami Open just months prior. Both players quickly distinguished themselves, steadily climbing the rankings and achieving career milestones.
Currently, Eala stands at No. 49, with Tjen close behind at No. 69, rankings poised to shift after recent performances in the Australian and Philippine Women’s Open. Their individual successes now converge into a unified ambition.
A potential showdown for gold at the recent SEA Games in Thailand was denied when Tjen was forced to retire in the semifinals due to a respiratory issue. This unexpected turn paved the way for Eala to claim the women’s singles gold, ending a 24-year drought for the Philippines.
Now, the two stars will stand side-by-side, competing in doubles at the prestigious WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. They face a challenging pairing: Leylah Fernandez of Canada and Kristina Mladenovic of France.
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, contingent on the outcome of their respective singles campaigns. Eala is set to play Zeynep Sonmez, a former doubles partner, while Tjen will face Maya Joint.
Though ranked lower in doubles – Eala at No. 135 and Tjen at No. 67 – their combined talent and shared regional pride promise a formidable challenge. They aim to showcase the rising strength of Southeast Asian tennis.
Eala recently emphasized the growing momentum within the region, stating, “The SEA level is really there… It creates a really good atmosphere.” Her words reflect a shared belief in the potential of Southeast Asian athletes.
Tjen’s participation in the Philippine Women’s Open was nearly realized, but a stunning second-round victory at the Australian Open, where she defeated No. 23 seed Leylah Fernandez, kept her on a different path. Eala also competed in the Australian Open, falling to Alycia Parks in a hard-fought match.
This new partnership isn’t just about two exceptional athletes; it’s a statement. It’s a declaration that Southeast Asian tennis is ready to compete, to inspire, and to leave an indelible mark on the global stage.
