Alex Eala Makes History in Guadalajara as First Filipino to Win a WTA Singles Title

By Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua

In a moment that will echo through Philippine sports history, 20-year-old tennis phenom Alex Eala has officially etched her name into the global record books. With grit and a game that refused to fold, Eala clinched her maiden WTA singles crown at the 2025 Guadalajara Open — a WTA 125 event — becoming the first Filipino ever to win a WTA singles title.

The final was no walk in the park. Facing Hungary’s Panna Udvardy, Eala had a rocky start, dropping the first set 1-6. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about this young warrior, it’s that she doesn’t back down. She clawed her way back in the second set, 7-5, and sealed the deal with a commanding 6-2 finish in the third. It was a comeback that wasn’t just about tennis — it was about heart, heritage, and the hunger to make history.

From junior Grand Slam titles to now standing tall among the pros, she’s shown that Filipino athletes can thrive on the world stage. Her ranking has already surged to No. 61 in the WTA live rankings following this win, and with the way she’s playing, it’s safe to say she’s just getting started. This win isn’t just a personal milestone. It’s a national triumph. Eala’s victory sent waves of pride across the Philippines, with fans, fellow athletes, and supporters around the world.

What makes this moment even more special is how Eala carries herself — humble, focused, and always with the Philippine flag close to her heart. After the match, she took to social media to thank her supporters and reflect on the journey. “This is for every Filipino who dared to dream,” she wrote. Alex Eala didn’t just win a title in Guadalajara. She won the hearts of a nation.

And now, she stands as a beacon for every young Filipino athlete who’s ever wondered if they could make it. Spoiler alert: they can — and she just proved it. (MBB)