The Philippine Tennis Association is banking on the presence of WTA No. 52 Alex Eala as Team Philippines opens its campaign in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, with the tennis team event kicking off on Wednesday.
Eala, 20, will also serve as one of the country’s flagbearers—alongside Alas Pilipinas’ Bryan Bagunas—during the opening ceremony on Tuesday night.
This marks Eala’s second SEA Games appearance. She previously collected three bronze medals in her debut in Vietnam back in 2022.
PHILTA Secretary General John Rey Tiangco said the entire squad is energized by Eala’s inclusion in the delegation as they aim for an improved medal haul in Thailand.
“Our men and women’s teams are in high spirits and have prepared well for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. Adding to the excitement is Alex Eala’s participation as one of the flag bearers for the Philippines, for which I am very happy and grateful,” he said.
“Not only does her presence inspire our tennis squads, it also inspires the entire 1,600-strong Philippine delegation. We hope that tennis will continue to be a source of pride and honor for the country, with the help of Alex Eala and her other talented teammates.”
Joining Eala on the national tennis roster are Eric Olivarez, AJ Lim, Alexa Milliam, Francis Alcantara, Ruben Gonzales, Shaira Rivera, Tennielle Madis, Stefi Aludo, and Arthur Pantino.
The SEA Games tennis competition opens with the men’s and women’s team events, while the singles and doubles matches are set to begin on Sunday, December 14. All events will be staged at the National Tennis Development Center in Nonthaburi.
