After a breakthrough 2025 that saw her crack the WTA Top 50, Alex Eala is set to make her main draw debut at the 2026 Australian Open — a tournament she has long considered her home Slam.
Speaking to the press on Friday, the 20-year-old Filipina ace shared her excitement about competing in the season’s first Grand Slam, noting how different the experience feels this time around.
“It feels great, I’m super excited. You know, coming in as a main draw player gives a different vibe, especially with the struggles I had in the past coming here. So, I’m super excited coming here in full force,” Eala said.
Coming off a year in which she captured her first-ever WTA title and her maiden SEA Games gold medal, Eala is looking to carry the momentum into 2026. She also hopes a strong showing at the ASB Classic in Auckland will help set the tone for her campaign.
(C) POC Media
“It was definitely great for confidence. Getting matches always helps before Slams, so I’m confident with how I’m playing. It doesn’t mean that matches aren’t going to be tough here, so I’m ready for playing here,” she shared.
While eager to make a deep run in her Australian Open main draw debut, Eala also expressed her delight over the Philippines hosting its first-ever WTA tournament, the Philippine Women’s Open, which coincides with the opening Slam in Melbourne.
“I’m happy that it’s finally coming together; it’s really happening. It’s a dream to have a home tournament, and in just the WTA stage in general,” the Filipina netter said.
“I think it’s a huge step for tennis in the Philippines and women’s tennis, especially since I know some friends who are going to play there. I’m so happy that it’ll bring a lot of inspiration and a lot of motivation for the girls back home.”
Eala opens her Australian Open campaign against a tough opponent in American Alycia Parks, the world No. 100 and a former world No. 40, on Monday at 8:00 AM (Philippine time).
