LIVING HER DREAM
Moments after capturing the Philippines’ first gold medal in women’s singles in the Southeast Asian Games in 26 years, Alex Eala rushed to her ever-supportive family and hugged her dad, Michael, and mom Rizza, a bronze medalist in the 100-meter backstroke of the 1985 Games in Thailand.
In the same country where her mom won a medal, Alex got her moment, running around the hard court wearing a proud smile while raising the Philippine flag.
“It’s so special. As a Filipino, we’re so family-oriented. I think that’s part of our culture and you know, [the] SEA Games is something,” the tennis star said. “I think it’s very different than the [WTA] because it’s very personal to us, personal to the Southeast Asian countries and it’s special in that way.
“It’s unique and it doesn’t happen every time,” said Eala. “That’s why it’s so important for our family. Of course, my mom was a SEA Games medalist, too.”
Eala capped a banner year in a Philippine jersey, ruling the 33rd edition against home bet Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-1, 6-2, in front of cheering Filipino fans on Thursday at the National Tennis Development Center in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
After breaking through the Women’s Tennis Association top 50 this year, Eala became just the third Filipino to win the women’s singles gold after Pia Tamayo, who won in 1981 in Manila, and Maricris Fernandez, the queen of the 1999 edition in Brunei.
The star shared a moment with the Philippine team and was emotional while singing the PH national anthem.
“I think the part that really makes me emotional is when they play Lupang Hinirang,” she said. “I’ve dreamed for a long time of being able to bring that kind of pride to the Philippines. So I’m very thankful and humbled to represent our country.”
From being the flag bearer with Alas Pilipinas star Bryan Bagunas in the opening ceremonies, Eala had a great run in her second SEA Games with a gold on top of two bronze medals in the women’s team event and mixed doubles.
She and Niño Alcantara fell to home bets Patcharin Cheapchandej and Pawit Sornlaksup in the mixed doubles semifinal, 7-5, 5-7, 7-10. She also received a medal in the team event where she was listed, but did not see action, with Shaira Rivera, Alexa Milliam, Tennielle Madis and Stefi Aludo.
“It means a lot. This whole week has been an emotional roller coaster,” Eala said. “Being surrounded by so many athletes, especially fellow Filipinos, just feels different. Having your countrymen around you is really special and it makes me very happy.”
It started in Miami
It was a great year for the Filipino tennis ace, starting with her dream semifinal run in the Miami Open, where she took down three Grand Slam champions to earn main draw berths in the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open, where she earned her first win.
The Rafa Nadal Academy graduate also won her first Women’s Tennis Association crown in the Guadalajara 125 Open in September and made a new career-high world ranking of No. 50 last month.
After her breakthrough, Eala eyes a stronger 2026, starting with the Australian Open in January.
“I think I’m just taking it step by step. My next, obviously, next goal is to prepare for the Australian Open, so I’ll take my time to enjoy this win and then prep time,” she said.
