Filipino tennis star Alex Eala is set to compete in the first-ever WTA 125 event in her home country, the Philippine Women’s Open, starting January 26 in Manila. She faces Russia’s Alina Charaeva in the Round of 32 and emphasizes the tournament's role in introducing tennis to local fans. Eala describes the experience as surreal after an eight-year absence from the Rizal Memorial courts.
The Philippine Women’s Open marks a historic milestone as the first WTA 125 tournament hosted in the Philippines, taking place from January 26 to 31 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila. Offering 125 ranking points and $115,000 in prize money, the event features top players including No. 1 seed Tatjana Maria, Solana Sierra, Donna Vekic, and Camila Osorio. Alex Eala, the 19-year-old Filipino sensation seeded second via wildcard, will open her campaign against world No. 160 Alina Charaeva in the Round of 32 on Monday.
Eala, who recently exited the Australian Open in the first round with a 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 loss to Alycia Parks, arrived in Manila earlier this week. During a media conference on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, she highlighted the tournament's significance beyond competition. “I think this is a good platform for people to start to know more about tennis,” Eala said. “Not many people know about it, even the score system, and it’s really different to watch tennis compared to other sports.”
She also urged fans to embrace the event respectfully, drawing from her Australian Open experience where her supporters drew attention for their enthusiasm. “To enjoy mindfully, be respectful to the players, try to absorb as much as you can from this experience,” Eala advised. “It doesn’t happen very often. Keep an open mind and enjoy while doing that.”
The draw includes several Filipina players, amplifying national interest: Tennielle Madis, Elizabeth Abarquez, and Kaye Emana in the main draw, with Stefi Aludo advancing to the second round of qualifiers alongside Angeline Alcala and Lauraine Jallorina. For Eala, the presence of compatriots is the week's highlight. “The fact that there are so many Filipinos in the draw, that is the focus and the highlight of this week for me, more than winning the whole thing,” she noted.
Eala last played at Rizal Memorial eight years ago and expressed disbelief at the home event's reality. “It’s so, so, so surreal to have a home tournament and to see it come to life… I’m so grateful and so a little kind of in disbelief that it's actually happening,” she said, adding joy at reuniting with family.