SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
Eala Lights Up Manila
Photo credit: Alex Eala
Alex Eala didn’t just win—she delivered when it mattered most.
Playing in her first professional tournament on home soil, the 20-year-old Filipina tennis star opened her campaign at the 2026 WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open with a commanding victory, defeating Russia’s Alina Charaeva 6-1, 6-2 on Monday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila.
From the opening games, Eala showed poise and control, dictating rallies with steady groundstrokes and smart shot selection. She rarely allowed Charaeva to find a rhythm, closing the match in just over an hour as the home crowd cheered on every point.
With the win, Eala advanced to the next round and remains the only Filipina left in the main draw, carrying local hopes in the country’s first-ever WTA 125 tournament.
The moment clearly resonated beyond the scoreboard.
“Panalanging ko sa habambuhay makasama kayong mga Pinoy馃”
Eala’s victory adds another milestone to her growing career. A former US Open girls’ singles champion and a graduate of the Rafa Nadal Academy, she has long been regarded as one of Philippine sports’ brightest prospects. Competing in a WTA 125 event—just a level below the main WTA Tour—offers valuable experience and ranking points against seasoned international players.
Fans filled the stands throughout the match, creating a lively atmosphere befitting a historic tournament. Afterward, Eala took time to acknowledge supporters, posing for photos, signing autographs, and thanking fans who have followed her journey from the junior ranks to the professional circuit.
As the tournament continues, expectations are building. But for one night in Manila, the spotlight belonged to Alex Eala—a Filipina athlete shining at home
Playing in her first professional tournament on home soil, the 20-year-old Filipina tennis star opened her campaign at the 2026 WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open with a commanding victory, defeating Russia’s Alina Charaeva 6-1, 6-2 on Monday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila.
From the opening games, Eala showed poise and control, dictating rallies with steady groundstrokes and smart shot selection. She rarely allowed Charaeva to find a rhythm, closing the match in just over an hour as the home crowd cheered on every point.
With the win, Eala advanced to the next round and remains the only Filipina left in the main draw, carrying local hopes in the country’s first-ever WTA 125 tournament.
The moment clearly resonated beyond the scoreboard.
“Panalanging ko sa habambuhay makasama kayong mga Pinoy馃”
Eala’s victory adds another milestone to her growing career. A former US Open girls’ singles champion and a graduate of the Rafa Nadal Academy, she has long been regarded as one of Philippine sports’ brightest prospects. Competing in a WTA 125 event—just a level below the main WTA Tour—offers valuable experience and ranking points against seasoned international players.
Fans filled the stands throughout the match, creating a lively atmosphere befitting a historic tournament. Afterward, Eala took time to acknowledge supporters, posing for photos, signing autographs, and thanking fans who have followed her journey from the junior ranks to the professional circuit.
As the tournament continues, expectations are building. But for one night in Manila, the spotlight belonged to Alex Eala—a Filipina athlete shining at home
Jan 27, 2026
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