Alexandra Eala has been a beacon for Philippines tennis in 2025, after a breakthrough year which including reaching the top 50 of the rankings for the first time.
Eala reached the Miami Open semi-finals and followed it up with a final appearance at the Eastbourne Open.
The 20-year-old, who recently practiced with Rafael Nadal, heads into the 2026 season with huge expectations to perform even better than last year.
Eala has the chance to play a home tournament in the Philippines next year, but that could already be in doubt.
Alexandra Eala could miss WTA 125 event in Manila
The WTA Tour has added a tournament in Manilla, which the homegrown talent has described as a ‘dream come true’.
However, the Filipino star might not be able to play the tournament if she does well at the 2026 Australian Open.
The event begins on January 26, which is the same time as the second week of the first Grand Slam of the year.
Who will win the 2026 Australian Open Women’s Singles title?
If Eala performs well at the tournament, she will not be able to play in the first Philippines tournament in WTA history.
Despite this, officials are describing the situation as a ‘win-win’ for the nation’s tennis hopes.
PHILTA board member Dyan Castillejo said: “If she advances in the AO, that could mean she’s into the fourth round or in the quarters, so we have to applaud that.”
Eala has not played the Australian Open main draw yet, after not qualifying for the event last season. The star will not have to qualify for the tournament, as she will gain automatic entry.
What Alexandra Eala has said about her home tournament
It will likely be heartbreaking for Eala to not play the first tournament in her home nation, even if it means she makes the second week of the Australian Open.
Speaking at a press conference for the event, Eala revealed: “What once was just a dream is coming true. It’s happening.”
“The first WTA event to be held in the Philippines, and it’s all thanks to the efforts of the Philippine tennis leaders, and I’m so grateful. As a player, I could not be more proud to say that Philippines now has a whole tennis tournament.”
Eala has often been proud to represent her nation and she has most recently been named a Philippines flagbearer for 2025 SEA Games Opening Ceremony.
