Alex Eala just fell short of capping her breakthrough 2026 with another WTA title as she lost to Claire Liu in the final of the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open on Sunday. Not that it mattered.
After a year of firsts and milestones, Eala had certainly earned herself some much-needed time off way before the first ball was served at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium in Hong Kong. And, it turns out, the 21-year-old superstar has plans for that already.
“Oh, I’m going to spend time with my family,” Eala shared. “Yeah, just lay low, disappear for a little bit. And then yeah, those are my plans. Just to disappear.”
That plan is understandable. Alex Eala played a grand total of 68 matches across 20 WTA-level tournaments in 2026, plus a bunch more counting her WTA 125 campaigns and the Asian Games in October. That plan is also well-deserved—very well deserved.
Christmas at Home for Alex Eala
Laying low and spending time with the family are certainly a great way to rest and recharge. What’s even better is that Alex Eala will also be spending Christmas here in the Philippines with her loved ones. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Filipina trailblazer is excited about it all.
“Literally, just not doing anything. No schedule, no agenda, no anything. I’m not working, I’m not thinking about anything. Turning my brain off,” she added. “I’m going to be home for Christmas. I’m super excited for that… Iba rin talaga ang Pasko sa Pilipinas.”
Incidentally, when Alex Eala turns her brain off for Christmastime, she will be doing so as the World No. 15—her highest ranking as a pro on the WTA Tour and a 35-notch leap from her No. 50 ranking this time last year. She will also do so knowing full well that she has a potentially bright career still ahead of her.
“I’m only 21, I’m just beginning my career,” she concluded. “Really excited for what’s to come.”
And if Eala is excited for what lies ahead, best believe Filipinos are just as excited.
For now, though, Alex Eala is about to lay low for a while.
