Alexandra Eala’s Philippine Women’s Open campaign is set to continue after she defeated Himeno Sakatsume on Wednesday.
Eala began her campaign by defeating Alina Alexejewna Tscharajewa in front of significant crowd support in Manila.
On Wednesday, Eala continued her journey at the inaugural Filipino event, defeating Himeno Sakatsume 6-4, 6-0.
There had been concern for Eala after a potential injury issue arose during her first-round match; and during the second-round contest, Eala again requested a medical timeout.
The young star battled past any physical issues, avenging her 2023 loss to Sakatsume; which took place at the Japan Open Tennis Championships in Osaka.
Does anybody else even come close to Alex Eala’s popularity right now?
Alexandra Eala’s reaction to reaching the Philippine Women’s Open quarter-finals
“I really was in a lot of tough positions this match, especially in the first set,” Eala told the crowd in Manila after securing victory.
“But I’m really happy with how I fought through it. I think there were definitely some points na parang sa kanya na [as if it were hers], but I was able to steal a couple and that’s what pushed me through.
“I’m so motivated. I hope they’re just as motivated as me to watch tennis as I am to play tennis.
“I’m so happy with how many people have turned out throughout the day. Kahit umuulan, kahit mainit, nandito kayo. Maraming salamat po [Even if it rains, even if it’s hot, you’re here. Thank you very much.]”
In the next round, Eala will play Camila Osorio – the fifth seed and world number 84. Eala has never played Osorio before on the professional circuit.
Osorio, 24, has defeated Sakura Hosogi and Mai Hontama in Manila.
As per the Inquirer, Eala said: “I think the next match is definitely going to be difficult. She’s a very good, experienced and skilled player. Off the court, she’s a sweet person too.”
If Eala defeats Osorio on Thursday, she will play either Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee or Argentina’s Solana Sierra in the semi-finals.
Who could Alex Eala play in the Philippine Women’s Open final?
If Eala were to advance to her third WTA showpiece match, she would face one of four players.
How high do you think Alexandra Eala’s ceiling is?
She could play Donna Vekic: the former Wimbledon semi-finalist whom Eala recently defeated at the ASB Classic.
Eala could also play Lin Zhu: the former world number 31 who stunned Mirra Andreeva and Emma Raducanu at the 2025 Ningbo Open.
Eala could also face Tatiana Prozorova or Sofia Costoulas: the world number 174 and 143, respectively. Prozorova knocked out top seed Tatjana Maria in the round of 16.
If Eala were to win the event, she would gain 125 WTA ranking points and potentially increase her ranking to world number 41. Eala would move to 1,261 points, 18 behind American player Ann Li.
