Alex Eala describes SEA Games gold as “another category” achievement

Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala continues to rewrite history, proving herself as arguably the brightest young star to emerge from Southeast Asia in recent years. At just 20, the Filipina has steadily established herself as one of the most accomplished talents from the region, earning a passionate following both at home and abroad.

Eala delivered a historic moment for the Philippines on Thursday, December 18, by clinching the gold medal in women’s singles at the Southeast Asian Games. She dominated Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-1, 6-2, ending the country’s gold medal drought in SEA Games tennis that had lasted since 1999.

The victory was made even more emotional as Eala stood on the podium, hearing the Philippine national anthem play in front of her family, friends, teammates, and Filipino fans in attendance.

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“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 thankful and I’m so humbled to be representing the Philippines,” Eala told the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) media.

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Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala officially claims her place at the top as she receives the women’s singles gold medal in the awarding ceremony of the #SEAGames2025 Thailand! | Luisa Morales/POC Media#OSOnTheSpot #2025SEAGames #SEAGames #TibayAtTatag pic.twitter.com/R1SHJQrIrJ

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The rising star emphasized that winning SEA Games gold carries a special significance, even compared to her success on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) circuit.

“I think this is a whole another category. You know, playing with the country written on your back is… and playing in team events brings a different sort of pressure. So I’m happy with how I handled it. Ibang feeling talaga yung kapaligid mo yung iyong mga kababayan,” she said.

Eala also shared how meaningful it was to celebrate the achievement with her parents, Mike and Rizza, in the crowd. Tennis runs in the family—her mother Rizza also won bronze at the 1985 SEA Games, which were likewise held in Thailand.

“It’s so special. I think, yung nga, I have said many times before yung mga Pinoy we are 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. It’s unique and doesn’t happen every time, so kaya siya ganung ka-importante at kahalaga sa aming pamilya,” Eala explained.

The 2025 season has been a breakthrough year for Eala, highlighted by reaching her first WTA final, a semifinal showing at the Miami Open, and winning her first-ever WTA 125 title.

“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 concluded.

Eala will now take a well-deserved break before resuming training for the Australian Open, set to begin in late January 2026.

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