Alex Eala begins SEA Games run with crucial quarterfinal double-header

ill be no slow build-up for Alex Eala at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. When she finally steps on court Monday at the Tennis Development Center, she does so with medals already within reach — and with the weight of expectation firmly on her shoulders.

After being named to the Philippine roster but sitting out the team event, Eala’s SEA Games journey begins deep into the knockout stage. She is slated for two quarterfinal matches in one day: a women’s singles clash and a mixed doubles tie. 

Victory in either automatically guarantees at least a bronze, instantly placing the country’s top-ranked player on the podium in her return to the biennial meet.

The spotlight, however, is firmly fixed on her singles campaign. Ranked world No. 52, Eala is chasing a SEA Games gold medal in her second appearance, opening her run against Malaysia’s Shihomi Leong in a matchup that will test both her form and composure under pressure.

Despite Eala’s pedigree, Philippine women’s team head coach Denise Uy made it clear that the draw offers no shortcuts. 

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TULOY ANG TIBAY AT TATAG!

Nag-share si Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala ng ilang larawan matapos ang bronze finish ng Philippine women’s tennis team sa 2025 SEA Games sa Thailand.

Binubuo nina Eala, Stefi Aludo, Alexa Milliam, Tennielle Madis, at Shaira Rivera ang… pic.twitter.com/JupAXCNw8s

— News5 (@News5PH) December 14, 2025

“She had a great training week this past week and the past few days and I think it’s going to be a competitive field with not only Janice [Tjen], but we can’t count out the two Thai players on the draw as well,” said Dy, herself a two-time SEA Games gold medalist.

“At the end of the day, it’s tennis and anything can happen. But I think she’s hitting the ball very well and she’s definitely a lot rested in her Asian circuit series this past couple of weeks. I think she’s ready to go and she’s really, really excited and motivated to do well.”

Adding another layer to Eala’s packed schedule, she will also team up with Niño Alcantara in the mixed doubles quarterfinals. The Filipino duo will take on the winner of the Round of 16 encounter between Indonesia’s Ignatius Susanto and Meydiana Reinnamah and Singapore’s Daniel Abadia and Wei Choo.

For Eala, Monday is less about easing into competition and more about seizing opportunity. Two matches, two events, and two chances to turn anticipation into medals — all in the span of a single day.

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