Alex Eala is approaching the Philippine Women’s Open with her usual composure, determined to take each match as it comes. She will headline the country’s first WTA 125 tournament at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center on Sunday, January 25, a milestone event for Philippine women’s tennis.

Despite the buzz surrounding the tournament, Eala said she is focused only on performing at her best. She emphasized that her mindset remains consistent, regardless of the home-court advantage or the expectations that come with it.

Seeded No. 2 and ranked a career-high No. 49 in the world, Eala will open her campaign against Individual Neutral Athlete Alina Charaeva, ranked No. 169. She is prepared to rely on her preparation and discipline to navigate the opening round successfully.

Channeling home support into performance

Playing in front of a likely packed local crowd is a source of excitement for Eala rather than pressure. She said the energy of Filipino fans fuels her focus and motivates her to deliver her best tennis.

The support from the home audience adds a unique layer to the experience, but Eala stressed that she will continue to take it one match at a time. For her, maintaining concentration and executing her strategy are more important than the occasion itself.

Eala also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete in her first home tournament. She described the moment as surreal and emphasized how much it means to see Philippine tennis hosting an event of this level for the first time.

Spotlight on local talent

While much attention will naturally fall on Eala, she reminded fans that several other Filipinas are also competing in the main draw. Tennielle Madis, Kaye Ann Emana, and Elizabeth Abarquez received wild cards and are expected to make their own impact on the tournament.

Additionally, Stefi Marithe Aludo advanced through the qualifying rounds, defeating Angeline Alcala 6-1, 6-0, and will face Japan’s Sakura Hosogi for a spot in the main draw. Eala highlighted that having multiple local players involved elevates the tournament, making it a significant week for Philippine tennis beyond individual results.

The Philippine Women’s Open represents both a personal milestone for Eala and a historic step forward for women’s tennis in the country. The week-long tournament promises to shine a spotlight on local talent while inspiring the next generation of Filipino players.