Going through a year of success, Alex Eala holds her SEA Games 2025 gold medal moment a little closer to her heart.
NONTHABURI — Alex Eala had the best year of her career in tennis so far, having broken through ceiling after ceiling in her 2025 WTA season while also capping the calendar year with a gold medal in the SEA Games 2025.
While most would consider her triumphs in the WTA Tour — which included a semis appearance in the Miami Open, her first WTA final, and her first WTA 125 title — more impactful from a professional sense, Eala couldn’t help but hold her SEA Games moment in a higher regard.
More than just winning for herself, Eala was delighted to be able to carry the flag and “Philippines” on her back as she dominated Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-1, 6-2, en route to the country’s first women’s singles gold medal since 1999.
After getting her gold, Eala said that winning for the country while her fans and family were in attendance made it all the more special.
“It's so special. I think, yun nga, I've said many before yung mga Pinoy we're so family-oriented. I think that's a part of our culture and you know, SEA Games is something-- I think, it's very different than the Tour because it's very personal to us, personal to the Southeast Asian countries and it's special in that way,” Eala told POC Media in the venue.
“It's unique and it doesn't happen every time so kaya siya ganung ka-importante at kahalaga sa aming pamilya.”
Right after converting on match point, Eala faced her family and the sizable Filipino crowd to celebrate another milestone for the country.
[RELATED: Alex Eala smashes way to first-ever gold medal in SEA Games tennis]
Philippines’ pride
One of the more memorable moments for Eala after winning gold was getting to sing the national anthem during the award ceremony.
As Lupang Hinirang rang out with a plethora of Filipino fans, Eala’s teammates and family members singing along with her. Having dreamed of the moment for so long, the 20-year-old was left in awe when it became a reality.
“I think yan yung talagang pinaka-nakakaiyak sa akin is when they play Lupang Hinirang or any, like, the national anthem,” said Eala.
“And parang matagal ko nang pinapangarap yun na, you know, ako yung makakadala ng ganong pride sa Pilipinas. So, I'm so thankful. I'm so humbled to be able to represent our country,” she continued.
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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.