Alex Eala completes her career appearances in Grand Slams with the Filipina tennis sensation set for her main draw debut at the 2026 Australian Open.
The new year comes with new challenges for 20-year-old Alex Eala as she is slated to make her main draw debut at the Australian Open – a good six years since ruling the Girls’ Doubles tournament in 2020.
Eala, currently ranked WTA world no. 49, will be facing off against USA’s Alycia Parks in the first round on Monday, January 19.
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This will be Eala’s first time in the main draw of the Australian Open, previously being eliminated in the qualifiers the last three years.
Following her breakout year in 2025, the Australian Open complete's Eala appearances at all four Grand Slams. She earned her first main draw matches at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open last year, making it to the second round in New York.
As she finally makes her Australian Open debut, Eala isn’t about to take anything for granted.
With an opportunity to shine in Melbourne, Eala hopes to play the best tennis of her life.
“It feels great, I'm super excited,” Eala said of her impending Australian Open debut.
“You know, coming in as a main draw player gives a different vibe, especially with the struggles I've had in the past coming here, so I'm super excited and coming in full force.”
Peaking at the right time
Though the 2026 season has only started for Eala, the Rafa Nadal Academy scholar was hardly vacant during her break from the WTA Tour.
In December, Eala played for Team Philippines in the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand where she won the country’s first gold medal in women’s singles since 1999.
The 20-year-old also played in the Macau Tennis Masters shortly after Christmas.
Eala's season officially started with a semifinals run at the ASB Classic, then she played in the Kooyong Classic in the lead-up for the Australian Open.
While it was a busy stretch after a grueling 2025 campaign, Eala said that the packed schedule has helped her reach the top of her game at just the right time.
“Yeah, it's been a busy month, but so many blessings and so many, there have been so many memorable moments that, you know, just make me happy to experience,” said Eala.
“And I think I've planned well and my team has done well to arrive here in the best shape possible. It's a grand slam, so we're not looking over that fact. And yeah, I'm ready. I'm here.”
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.