Alex Eala secured direct entry into the 2026 Australian Open main draw while preparing for a packed stretch that includes the SEA Games 2025 and the upcoming Philippine Women's Open.
Alex Eala will have a busy start in 2026.
Eala officially earned a spot in the 2026 Australian Open women’s singles main draw, marking another major milestone in her young professional career.
The 20-year-old Filipina, now ranked World No. 52, made the cutoff for direct entry as the Grand Slam released its initial roster of 105 qualified players.
Her ranking places her inside the elite group of women who will compete in Melbourne, joining the sport’s biggest names, led by World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and several top-10 mainstays.
The tournament will run from January 12 to February 1, 2026.
Despite the slight ranking dip, Eala’s earlier surge, highlighted by deep runs at the Miami Open and her 125 title triumph in Guadalajara, proved enough to secure her place in the year’s first Grand Slam.
Eala’s entry comes at a time when she is representing the Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where she also served as one of the country’s flag bearers during the opening ceremony.
Eala anchors the Philippine women’s tennis team, competing in Nonthaburi, with the women’s singles draw set to begin on December 13.
[ALSO READ: Philippine tennis body hopes flag bearer Alex Eala inspires Team Philippines in SEA Games]
Beyond the SEA Games, the Filipina tennis is expected to stay active on Asian soil. As she prepares for the Australian Open, she is also pegged to compete in the WTA 125 Philippine Women's Open, set for January 26-31, 2026.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.