For Alex Eala, PH Women’s Open a platform for Pinoys to learn more about tennis

“PLEASE COME WITH RESPECT — AND ENJOY EVERY SINGLE MOMENT.” ALEX EALA ISSUES POWERFUL MESSAGE AHEAD OF HISTORIC WTA EVENT IN THE PHILIPPINES “Please come with respect, support the players properly, and enjoy every moment — this is something our country has never experienced before,” Alex Eala urged fans as the Philippines prepares to host its first-ever WTA 125 Philippines. For Eala, currently ranked world No.49, this is far more than a competition — it is a rare gateway for local players, coaches, and fans to witness elite world-class tennis without leaving home.

She believes the tournament can serve as a living classroom, allowing Filipinos to feel the unique tension, rhythm, and individual drama of tennis — a sport vastly different from team games the nation is more familiar with. Her message is clear and heartfelt: cheer loudly, but wisely — because moments like this may never come again. 👇👇

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala in a press conference ahead of the main draw of the Philippine Women’s Open, January 24, 2026 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila. PHILTA/Philippine Women’s Open

MANILA – Tennis star Alex Eala believes the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open will be an opportunity for Filipinos to learn more about the sport.

The Philippines is hosting for the first time a WTA 125 tournament, giving local players, coaches, and fans the opportunity to experience high-level tennis.

The Philippine Women’s Open qualifiers kicked off on Saturday with spectators nearly filling up center court and the fan zone, both located at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

Hometown hero Eala, currently ranked No. 49 by the WTA, said it was “surreal” to finally see the tournament that she has been dreaming of come to life.

But more than bringing high-level competition to the country, she sees the tournament as an avenue for Filipinos to be educated and fully immersed with everything about the sport.

“I think this is a good platform for people to start to know more about tennis. It’s normal that without us having had that much success, you know, at this level in tennis in recent years, you know, it’s kind of not had a lot of spark or, you know, not many people know about it,” she said in a press conference before the main draw.

Eala’s success in the WTA Tour in 2025 has sparked an interest among Filipinos in tennis, with some even taking up the sport or flying out to see her play.

This was most notable during her Australian Open singles debut recently, where droves of Filipinos lined up and filled the courts where she competed.

International media and tennis stars like Novak Djokovic have also taken notice of her growing star power.

Eala is humbled to know that she has reached people through playing tennis, while helping develop the sport back at home.

“I like to think that people are really starting to get into tennis and are really interested in helping the sport and making it grow here. So I’m so thankful to everyone who’s made the time big or small, you know, to support me and just my journey,” she said.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala practices ahead of the main draw of the Philippine Women’s Open, January 24, 2026 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila. PHILTA/Philippine Women’s Open

After being used to competing in tournaments overseas, Eala is also grateful for the opportunity to share the experience with Filipinos.

“I think this whole tournament in general and people really coming out and seeing tennis in person, you know, it’s a really, it’s a really different experience to watch tennis as compared to other sports, in my opinion,” Eala shared.

“It’s an individual sport, there’s a lot of tension when things are tight and when things are, you know, you have a moment where nobody’s talking and you can just hear the ball. I think it’s a different experience. So I’m happy that Pinoys are now able to be exposed to that in person,” she added.

As the 20-year-old’s star power grows, more Filipinos are expected to pick up a tennis racket and even watch games live.

She’s hopeful that Filipinos who will watch the Philippine Women’s Open will savor the experience of having the first-ever WTA 125 tournament in the country.

“I think just to enjoy mindfully. I think just to be respectful to the players and to try to absorb as much as you can from this experience. It doesn’t happen very often here, as you know. I don’t think it’s ever happened before. So I think if, you know, you keep an open mind and you enjoy while doing that, that’s the best thing that you can do,” she said.

Eala will open her campaign against Russia’s Alina Charaeva in her first-round match.

The main draw of the Philippine Women’s Open will begin on Monday, January 26.