Alex Eala’s groundbreaking campaign at the 2025 Eastbourne Open final ended in heartbreak, but not without making history for Philippine tennis. The 19-year-old became the first Filipino to reach a WTA singles final, pushing Australia’s Maya Joint to the limit before falling in a dramatic three-set thriller, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(12). Eala saved three championship points and held four of her own before Joint sealed the win in a marathon tiebreak on June 28.
Despite the loss, Eala’s week-long run lifted her to a career-high WTA ranking of No. 56, breaking into the top 60 for the first time—a historic feat for any Filipino athlete in the sport. Her performance drew widespread praise and showed the world that Philippine tennis can contend at the highest level.
Strong Run in Eastbourne
Eala displayed grit and composure en route to the Eastbourne Open final, knocking out seeded opponents and delivering standout performances. Her semifinal win over American Emma Navarro was particularly impressive, where she dominated in straight sets to book a spot in her maiden WTA final. In the championship match, she roared back in the second set after dropping the first, eventually forcing a nerve-wracking third-set tiebreaker that captivated fans.
This was Eala’s first WTA final, and her path to get there was no fluke—built on a solid 2025 season filled with deep ITF runs and steady ranking climbs. Her poise under pressure in the Eastbourne Open final proved she’s ready to compete on the sport’s biggest stages.
Nadal’s Praise and What’s Next
Rafael Nadal, who mentored Eala at his academy in Spain, commended her performance, saying she is “ready for more success.” Nadal highlighted her maturity, discipline, and the relentless work ethic that continues to set her apart from her peers. His support adds weight to what many already believe: Eala is poised to become a mainstay on the WTA Tour.
Next up for Eala is her Wimbledon debut, where she faces defending champion Barbora Krej?íková in the first round—a massive test but also a chance to ride her Eastbourne momentum into one of tennis’ grandest stages. Regardless of the outcome, Eala’s journey is already redefining what’s possible for Filipino athletes in global tennis.
