Just a few hours after her exit from the WTA 250 Prudential Hong Kong Open 2025 singles tournament, Alex Eala revealed that she plans to compete in the 2025 SEA Games and expressed excitement about the possibility of a WTA 125 event being held in Manila in 2026.
One Last Serve this December
After ending her WTA season in Hong Kong reaching only the Round of 16, the 20 year old Filipina Alex Eala revealed during the post-game press conference that she’s willing to participate in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand this December.
First reported by Dyan Castillejo of ABS CBN in her Facebook account, the 2025 Guadalajara champ shared her thoughts about the upcoming tournament.
“Yeah, it’s in my plans. SEA Games is definitely in my plans.”
With this, Alex will have the entire month of November to prepare for the competition.
This WTA 250 Hong Kong Open was the last tournament in the WTA season and many Filipino fans expected for Eala to have a deep run and potentially win the title.
However, the Miami Open breakout star only managed to qualify for the Round of 16 after an injury to her Round of 32 opponent, Katie Boulter, forced her to retire during their match which was already in Set 3.
Loves the Idea of a WTA Tournament in the Philippines in Early 2026
“If it were to happen, I would be so so happy and it’s such a milestone for Philippine tennis not just obviously for me but for everybody there.”
That’s what the young tennis legend from the Philippines had to say with the reports of the Philippine Sports Commission making a bid to host the first ever WTA 125 Open in Manila which is suggested to happen from January 26 to February 1 2026.
“Because growing up we never had these kinds of tournaments. As long as I can remember, we didn’t even have a 15k in a professional international tournament.” she added.
“So to come in with a 125 is such a big step and I’m so so proud of how far we’ve come and you know it’s only the start so I’m so happy with that news even its just in the talks. The fact that they took a step, we’re taking action is something I’m so proud of and excited to see evolve.”
The news broke out last October 1 that the Philippine Sports Commission plans to bring the WTA tournament in the country with the plans of having the Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts as the main target venue.
Other venues to be used if it were to be green lit is “The Philippine Tennis Center” located at the New Clark City in the province of Tarlac which is currently being constructed as of the moment.
Thoughts on her Season Ending Exit in Hong Kong
“Of course I would’ve loved to win for the people who came [to see me] but it’s also, it’s you know, if I go out and compete on court its for myself, its for my team, its for all the work we’ve put in and it’s a privilege to have the support of Filipino people and the fans in general.”
This is what Alex had to say after her match against Victoria Mboko about her stint in the Hong Kong Open.
“But there’s my motivation but that’s just a part of what motivates me to play tennis and you know, there’s so many other factors that make up my love for tennis but that being said I’m so grateful to everyone who came out to support and I hope they enjoyed the match.” she added.
Filipino Supporters in Hong Kong
With regards to acknowledging her Filipino supporters who have tirelessly watched and cheered for Alex in the majority of her Asian tour, this is what she had to say:
“There’s a huge Filipino community here so to play tennis and to compete especially in the tour you know I feel very welcomed and you know, the atmosphere is so fun and energetic.”
Alex also didn’t rule out the possibility of playing in the tournament again next year.
“Although it’s very far away to plan, I’d love to come back.”
Looking Back at her 2025 WTA Season
“Its really amazing. The target I had to end the year was Top 100 and that was kinda like pushing it you know for me and we passed that by a milestone so I’m so happy.”
With all of her accomplishments and record breaking statistics as well as awards, Rafa Nadal Academy alumni was in awe with all of the things she has achieved this 2025.
“But with regards to next year, I’m confident that my team has planned accordingly and will plan accordingly and I’m here to give it my all and you know I’ll do my best to stay and get better.” she added.
