Alexandra Eala Comes Full Circle at Singapore Tennis Open

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Alexandra Eala was 11 years old when she first competed in Singapore. Now the Filipina star is back as the most highly ranked Southeast Asian player of all time. She returns for the Singapore Tennis Open, which has been elevated to WTA 500 status.

The tournament returns after its inaugural edition in 2025. It jumped from a WTA 250 to a WTA 500, bringing a stronger player field. It is Southeast Asia’s only WTA 500-level event and one of 17 worldwide at that level.

Alexandra Eala returns to Singapore for the 2026 WTA 500 after first competing in the city as an 11-year-old. [photo credit: The Kallang]

Alexandra Eala’s Singapore Journey Since 2016

Eala first competed in Singapore at the 2016 WTA Future Stars tournament. She was 11 at the time. In 2025, she played in the qualifying rounds of the inaugural Singapore Tennis Open.

Eala said the return carries extra meaning. “Playing in Singapore is always special. I have fond memories of competing here when I was younger and playing in the region I call home makes this tournament even more meaningful.”

Eala also looked ahead to the Asian Swing. “It has been a year of growth and a lot of learnings on the tour for me, so I am excited to kick off the Asian Swing at The Kallang and soak in all the great energy from the fans!”

World No. 5 Mirra Andreeva leads the Singapore Tennis Open 2026 field as the top seed. [photo credit: The Kallang]

Singapore Tennis Open 2026 Draw, Prize Money and Tickets

Top seed Mirra Andreeva, the world No. 5, said: “It has been so fun exploring and experiencing the city over the past few days. It’s always great to come to a tournament for the first time so I’m excited to meet the fans and ready to get on court to play my best!”

Organizers see the WTA 500 upgrade as a big step. Co-tournament director Yazed Osman said: “The tournament’s elevation to WTA 500 status this year is an important milestone.”

The tournament features a 28-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles draw. Players are competing for a share of $1.2 million in prize money. Main draw action begins Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. local time at OCBC Arena in The Kallang.

Fans can enjoy player meet-and-greets, tennis clinics and interactive activities across The Kallang precinct. Free live screenings of selected matches will run in the fan zone. StarHub will carry coverage in Singapore, while meWATCH will stream selected matches.

Tickets are available, including premium hospitality experiences at ACES Club. Limited weekday tickets remain.