Filipina tennis star Alex Eala continues to make 2025 her career breakout year.
The Miami Open semifinalist who rose from relative obscurity from the Philippines, a country known for boxing more so than tennis, earned a gold medal in tennis at this week’s Southeast Asia Games.
WATCH: For the first time in 26 years, the Philippine national anthem was played in the SEA Games women’s tennis singles event after Alex Eala’s historic gold medal win over Thailand’s bet in the finals in Bangkok. | POC Media @gmanews pic.twitter.com/YDXKCa89zl
— Jonathan Andal (@JonathanAndal_) December 18, 2025
She celebrated the moment with her family and her teammates.
Alex Eala hugging her parents after becoming the first Filipina to win a Gold Medal in tennis at the SEA Games in 26 years.
A heartfelt moment with the ones who believed in her before anyone else did.
Priceless. 🥹
🇵🇭❤️
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 18, 2025
Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala breaks into a playful dance with the Philippine tennis team after claiming gold in the women’s singles at the SEA Games 2025 Thailand! | Denise Tan/Cignal#2025SEAGames #SEAGames #TibayAtTatag #SEAGames33 #SEAGamesThailand #SEAGames2025 pic.twitter.com/bkY7FdkDFX
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) December 18, 2025
Eala opened the biennial games as the flagbearer for her country.
What a proud moment! 😍 We are so happy to see @AlexEala05 carrying the flag of the Philippines 🇵🇭 at the opening ceremony of the SEA GAMES taking place in Thailand. Best of luck in the competition! MABUHAY! LABAN! VAMOS! pic.twitter.com/OtBFZ2gjWm
— Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rnadalacademy) December 10, 2025
The Rafael Nadal Academy pupil made news earlier in the offseason by being the player that Nadal dusted off his racquet to practice with on the one year anniversary of his retirement.
What Is Next For Alex Eala?
The eyes of the tennis world will be affixed on Eala as she begins her 2026 season.
Eala is slated to play in the 2026 ASB Classic kicking off on January 5.
The World No. 53 player will make her main draw debut at the 2026 Australian Open beginning on January 18.
Performing well at these tournaments can only fortify her ranking as she has no significant points to defend before the Miami Open begins on March 17.
