PHILTA is hoping Alex Eala can represent the Philippines in the 2025 SEA Games, though her participation will depend on fitting the biennial meet into her busy WTA schedule.
The Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) is hoping to see the country’s top-ranked player, Alex Eala, banner the national team in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.
Speaking during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, PHILTA executive director Tonette Mendoza said it all depends on whether the WTA world no. 65 can squeeze the biennial meet into her already-packed calendar.
“Yes, she's just trying to fit it into her schedule, but she seems very excited,” Mendoza shared on Eala seeing action in the SEA Games.
“We really hope that she can fit it in because, as you know, she's now in her top 60-something. So let's all pray that she does.”
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Mendoza explained that Eala’s program underwent major changes this year after her rapid rise in the rankings, which saw her crack the WTA Top 100 and record a career-high no. 56 following a historic semifinal run at the Miami Open.
“Her program changed considerably from when she first made her plans in January,” Mendoza stated.
She also noted that by December, Eala’s focus will already be on preparing for the 2026 Australian Open.
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If Eala does suit up, she will chase her first SEA Games gold after winning three bronze medals three years ago in Hanoi.
Currently, the 20-year-old tennis star is deep into her US Open preparations.
In her first match back after Wimbledon and a brief break in Manila, she played at the National Bank Open in Montreal, where she fell to former Grand Slam champion Marketa Vondrousova, 6-3, 1-6, 2-6, in Round 1.
Despite the loss, Eala improved on the latest WTA rankings, now no. 65 after initially dropping to no. 69. She is expected to play two more hardcourt tournaments in North America before heading to New York for her third Grand Slam main draw appearance.