A Grand Slam for the Heart: Alex Eala and Janice Tjen Pledge Abu Dhabi Prize Money to Grassroots Tennis Development

ABU DHABI, UAE — In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, success is often measured by rankings, titles, and prize money. However, 20-year-old Filipina sensation Alex Eala and her Indonesian partner Janice Tjen are redefining what it means to win. Following a stellar performance at the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open, the Southeast Asian duo has announced a heartwarming decision: they will donate their combined doubles prize money to a regional fund dedicated to supporting underprivileged children and developing grassroots tennis talent.

This philanthropic move comes on the heels of one of Eala’s most financially and competitively successful weeks on the WTA tour, proving that as her star rises, her commitment to giving back to her roots remains steadfast.

A Breakthrough Performance in the Middle East

The Abu Dhabi Open served as a significant milestone for Alex Eala. Currently ranked No. 45 in the WTA rankings, Eala demonstrated why she is considered one of the most formidable rising stars in the circuit. Her journey in the singles draw was nothing short of impressive, as she battled her way into the quarterfinals. Though she eventually bowed out to the tournament’s eventual runner-up, World No. 2 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, with a score of 3-6, 3-6, her performance earned her a substantial paycheck of $35,000 (approximately P2 million).

However, it was in the doubles circuit where the “Southeast Asian Connection” truly shined. Eala teamed up with Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, creating a formidable partnership that captivated local fans. The duo reached the semifinals, eventually falling to the seasoned pair of Tereza Mihalíková (Slovakia) and Olivia Nicholls (Great Britain) in a hard-fought 4-6, 2-6 match.

For their deep run into the semifinals, the Eala-Tjen partnership earned a purse of $21,720. After the standard split, Eala took home P635,429 for her doubles contribution. Combined with her singles winnings, Eala’s total haul for the week reached a staggering $45,859 (P2,683,314).

Champions Off the Court: The Philanthropic Pledge

While the P2.6 million bag is a significant boost for any young athlete’s career, Eala and Tjen shocked the sporting community by announcing that their doubles winnings would be diverted toward a higher cause.

The funds will be donated to a specialized foundation aimed at providing equipment, coaching, and court access to children in the Philippines and Indonesia who lack the financial means to pursue tennis.

“Tennis has given me so much—opportunity, discipline, and a voice,” Eala stated in a post-match interview. “Janice and I talked about how lucky we are to represent our countries. We want to make sure that the next generation of kids in Manila and Jakarta don’t just watch us on TV, but have the chance to hold a racket themselves.”

Janice Tjen echoed these sentiments, noting that the barrier to entry for tennis in Southeast Asia remains high due to the cost of training and travel. By pooling their resources, they hope to “level the playing field” for aspiring athletes who share their dreams but lack their resources.

Impact on Grassroots Development

The donation is expected to fund several key initiatives:

The “Starter Racket” Program: Distributing high-quality tennis gear to public schools.

Regional Coaching Clinics: Funding travel for certified coaches to reach remote provinces.

Tournament Scholarships: Helping young, talented players cover entry fees and travel costs for national competitions.

Sports analysts suggest that this move by Eala and Tjen could spark a new trend among young athletes in the region, emphasizing social responsibility alongside professional excellence.

Looking Ahead: The Middle Eastern Swing Continues

The philanthropic gesture has only increased the “Eala-mania” as she prepares for even bigger challenges. Her journey in the Middle East is far from over. Eala is set to compete in two prestigious WTA 1000 competitions, which feature the absolute elite of the women’s tennis world.

Qatar Open (Doha): Taking place from Feb. 8-14. Eala has already secured at least $18,300 (P1 million) just by entering the Round of 64. Her primary focus in Doha will be a high-profile redemption match against Czech teen ace Tereza Valentova, who previously defeated Eala at the Japan Open.

Dubai Tennis Championships: Following Doha, Eala will travel to Dubai (Feb. 15-21) to test her mettle against the top 10 players in the world.

Conclusion: A New Era for Southeast Asian Tennis

At just 20 years old, Alex Eala is balancing the immense pressure of professional sports with a level of grace and maturity rarely seen in her peers. By choosing to donate a significant portion of her earnings, she is sending a powerful message: success is empty if you don’t reach back to pull others up.

As she moves into the WTA 1000 circuit in Doha and Dubai, she carries with her not just the hopes of a nation, but the gratitude of countless children who will now have a chance to step onto the court. In Abu Dhabi, Alex Eala may have lost the semifinal match, but she undoubtedly won the hearts of the global sporting community.

References & Sources

WTA Official Rankings & Results (2026): Data regarding the Abu Dhabi Open quarterfinal and semifinal progression.

The Associated Press (AP): Coverage of Alexandra Eala vs. Alycia Parks and subsequent Middle Eastern tournament scheduling.

WTA Prize Money Distribution Schedule: Figures for WTA 500 (Abu Dhabi) and WTA 1000 (Doha/Dubai) tiers.

Local Sports Reports (Philippines/UAE): Financial breakdowns of the P2.6 million winnings and Eala’s philanthropic announcements in post-match pressers.

Tournament Records: Japan Open (WTA 250) match history between Eala and Tereza Valentová.