Fresh off an early exit in the season’s opening Grand Slam, Alex Eala found renewed rhythm — and renewed joy — on home soil, stringing together back-to-back victories in the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open, the first WTA tournament ever staged in the country.
For Eala, the historic event is more than just another stop on the tour. It is a celebration of Philippine tennis’ steady rise, a movement she has helped spark through her own trailblazing journey.
And rather than being weighed down by expectations, the 20-year-old embraced the moment, channeling the crowd’s energy into two contrasting but convincing wins.
“I feel good; I feel great that I’m at this stage right now. Obviously, the two wins — it feels good to have these two wins at home. Finally, nakakita na ‘yung mga tao na may panalo ako dito, and it feels good to have those two wins here at home, especially this being the first edition of the WTA (Tour) here,” Eala shared.
“The expectations are still the same, and my goals are still the same, which is to do well in the next match.”
Her second victory did not come easily. Japan’s Sakatsume Himeno tested the Filipina early, reminding many why she swept Eala, 6-0, 6-3, in their lone previous meeting three years ago at a WTA 250 tournament in Osaka.
But three years — and a world of growth — later, the script flipped. Eala, now a more seasoned and confident competitor who cracked both the world’s top 100 and top 50 in the same season last year, dictated the pace when it mattered most.
The turning point came in the second set, when the 2022 Asian Games bronze medalist dished out a bagel to the 24-year-old Japanese player, completing her statement win.
This time, it was Eala who had momentum (and the home crowd) squarely on her side.
“I think it definitely helped; people were excited. But when I’m in those moments, I remember that I’m just alone on court, me versus me, and I’m just happy that I was able to step up to the occasion,” said the 33rd Southeast Asian Games champion.
That same mindset will be put to the test in what looms as her toughest challenge yet: a quarterfinal clash against Colombia’s Camila Osorio, an unfamiliar foe who has already drawn admiration from local fans with her play.
With full Filipino support expected on Thursday at 7:00 PM on Center Court, Eala will look to summon her best tennis once more as she pushes for a semifinal berth — and a step closer to a dream home title.
“I’m going into it with the same motivation that I had heading into the past two matches and the same focus,” he said.
“I haven’t had time to prepare really for that one because I just finished this last one. But yeah, I’m excited, motivated, and focused.”
