Alex Eala will take a moment to savor her triumph in SEA Games 2025 before shifting back into gear for the 2026 season.
NONTHABURI — Alex Eala will be heading into her 2026 season on a high after she claimed the country’s first gold medal in SEA Games women’s singles in tennis since 1999.
After taking weeks off from the end of her WTA season before suiting up for the national team, the time to refocus is now for Eala, especially with the first Grand Slam of the season already in sight, where she is confirmed to be given a main draw slot.
With the Australian Open being the only Grand Slam where she hasn’t played in the main draw yet, the 20-year-old will be shifting gears quickly.
[RELATED: Alex Eala included in 2026 Australian Open main draw amid SEA Games campaign]
“I think I'm just taking it step by step. My next, obviously, next goal is to prepare for the Australian Open,” she told POC Media after winning gold on Thursday.
“So, I'll take my time to enjoy this win, and then, you know, prep na lang.”
Experiencing a 2025 filled with breakthroughs, which included her semis stint in the Miami Open, her first Grand Slam main draw, and a WTA 125 title, Eala is happy to cap it off with something a little more special with the national team.
Heading into the year with humble expectations, it was a pleasant surprise for the Rafa Nadal Academy scholar to be able to do things the way that she did.
“Actually, in my mind, this is the start of the next season. But, I mean, to end the year on this highest is such an amazing thing. I wouldn't have thought would have happened in the start of the year,” she said.
—
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.