Alex Eala relishes chance at bringing glory to Philippines, family

Filipino tennis star Alex Eala had a 2025 to remember, capturing a maiden WTA win at the Guadalajara Open and then achieving her career-best in the rankings to end the season.

Yet, for the 19-year-old ace, her recent gold medal win in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is personally the sweetest.

After dismantling Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew in two sets, 6-1, 6-2, Eala was overjoyed, then emotional as the Philippine national anthem played in a crowd full of Filipinos, including Eala’s family members, despite being in her opponent’s home court.

“I think yun yung pinaka nakakaiyak sa akin, is when they play Lupang Hinirang or any like the national anthem. Matagal ko nang pinapangarap yun na ako yung makakadala ng ganung pride sa Pilipinas. So I’m so thankful and I’m so humbled to be representing the Philippines,” Eala said.

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Alex Eala hugging her parents after becoming the first Filipina to win a Gold Medal in tennis at the SEA Games in 26 years.

A heartfelt moment with the ones who believed in her before anyone else did.

Priceless. 🥹

🇵🇭❤️

pic.twitter.com/ZFVjYadTK2

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 18, 2025

In a year full of career achievements, capturing the country’s first tennis gold medal since 1999 in front of her family members was unlike any other win she had.

“I think this is a whole ‘nother category, you know, playing with the country written on your back is you know, and playing in team events brings a different sort of pressure. So I’m happy with how I handled it,” she said.

“Ibang feeling talaga yung kapaligid mo yung iyong mga kababayan,” added Eala.

Eala stressed the difference between the WTA tour and the SEA Games, emphasizing the nationalistic element that makes it personal for her and other athletes.

“It’s so special. I think, yun nga, I’ve said many times before yung mga Pinoy we’re so family-oriented. I think that’s a part of our culture and you know, SEA Games is something… I think, it’s very different than the Tour because it’s very personal to us, personal to the Southeast Asian countries and it’s special in that way,” she said. 

Despite her fairytale season reaching its definitive end, Eala still looks to the win as a boost for the next season, which starts with the Australian Open in January.

“In my mind this is the start of the next season. I mean, to end the year on this high, is such an amazing thing. I wouldn’t think it would happen at the end of the year,” she said. 

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