By: Women’s Fitness Asia
Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala capped off 2024 with a triumphant run, solidifying her place as one of the sport’s most promising talents. At just 19 years old, Eala showcased resilience and skill by advancing to the main draw of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 Workday Canberra International in Australia, a strong start for her 2025 campaign.
A Hard-Fought Victory
Eala’s journey to the main draw was anything but easy. Facing Australian wildcard Alana Subasic, the young Filipina battled through a challenging match. After a commanding 4-2 lead in the first set, Eala saw Subasic claw back to claim the opener, 7-5. Undeterred, Eala regrouped, delivering a flawless second set (6-0) and decisively dominating the third (6-1) to seal her place in the tournament.
This remarkable win followed her first qualifier match, where she overpowered Catherine Aulia, 6-1, 6-2, showcasing her adaptability and mental fortitude.
A Rising Star in Doubles
In addition to her singles campaign, Eala is set to compete in doubles with Japan’s Sayaka Ishi. The pair will face Canada’s Marina Stakusic and France’s Elsa Jacquemot in the opening round. As a graduate of the prestigious Rafael Nadal Academy, Eala continues to demonstrate her versatility and teamwork on the court.
Looking Back at 2024
Eala’s 2024 season was filled with milestones and challenges. She reached her career-high WTA ranking of World No. 143 in July and finished the year strong with a semifinal appearance at the ITF W100 tournament in Dubai, where she faced top-seed Polina Kudermetova. Reflecting on the year, Eala shared, “I’m very happy with how I performed and improved. There were moments where I was so close to achieving more, but I’m proud of the progress I made.”
Eyes on the Future
As she steps into 2025, Eala is brimming with optimism and ambition. Speaking on Power and Play, she expressed her excitement for the coming year:
“I have so many goals for next year, and I’m more excited than anything. Competing gives me purpose, and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
Among her aspirations is breaking into the main draw of a Grand Slam singles event, particularly the Australian Open in January. Her dedication to her craft and love for competition remain unwavering: “I love being on the court, solving problems, and facing challenges. At the end of the day, you feel like you didn’t compete enough if you didn’t do those 10-11 months of work.”
A Nation’s Pride
Eala’s journey continues to inspire Filipinos, cementing her status as a beacon of hope for Philippine tennis. As she gears up for an exciting 2025, her relentless drive and passion for the sport promise even greater accomplishments on the horizon.
With her recent victories and steadfast commitment, Alex Eala is not just ending 2024 on a high note—she’s setting the stage for an extraordinary 2025.
