Alex Eala faces tough field at Philippine Women’s Open

While the Philippine Women’s Open draws global attention for its deep and accomplished seeded lineup, all eyes will still be on Alexandra “Alex” Eala as she carries home-court hopes in the country’s first-ever WTA 125 tournament. 

The 20-year-old from Quezon City has shown she can challenge the world’s best, translating international breakthroughs into rising confidence that will be tested again against a field brimming with experience and diverse styles.

The top seed, Tatjana Maria of Germany, brings a veteran’s résumé that includes four WTA singles titles and a historic WTA 500 victory at London’s Queen’s Club in 2025, where she became the oldest WTA champion since Serena Williams in 2020. 

Maria’s consistency and savvy on slower surfaces will pose a different kind of threat compared to the younger players in the draw. 

Behind her lurk speedy riser Solana Sierra of Argentina — a two-time WTA 125 champion and recent Wimbledon round-of-16 performer — and Donna Vekic, the most accomplished Grand Slam competitor among the seeds with a Wimbledon semifinal and Olympic silver medal in her career.

Eala arrives in the Philippines off the back of an active hard-court season in Australia, where she competed at the Australian Open. 

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WHAT A WAY TO OPEN THE WEEK

The first-ever Philippine Women’s Open officially begins today as main draw athletes compete on Day 1 of the WTA 125 event. | RM Chua/One Sports#PhilippineWomensOpen #WTA125Manila pic.twitter.com/LAtkjTaGo6

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) January 26, 2026

Although she exited in the first round, the experience of facing high-level competition at a Grand Slam in Melbourne adds to her growing résumé this season. According to her official stats, she played both singles and doubles in Melbourne early in January, gaining valuable match play against global peers as she continues her ascent in the WTA rankings.

On paper, the field at the Philippine Women’s Open also includes Camila Osorio (a three-time WTA title winner), and Lulu Sun, a 24-year-old with multiple WTA crowns. 

The presence of such seasoned competitors means Eala’s path to the title won’t be easy — but it is certainly a world-class measuring stick for where she stands in her career trajectory.

With local fans rallying behind her and a blend of recent international experience under her belt, Eala enters the tournament not just as a home favorite but as a growing force in women’s tennis. 

Her past year’s milestones — from deep WTA runs to historic results — set the stage for what could be one of her most significant campaigns yet at home. 

Whether she uses that momentum to upset the seeded favorites or further consolidate her standing among the elite, the Philippine Women’s Open represents both a challenge and a chance for Eala to stamp her mark on the sport in front of a home crowd.

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