Alex Eala crashed out of the Philippine Women’s Open on Thursday after losing to Colombia’s Camila Osorio, 4-6, 4-6, at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
Even with the loss, the hometown bet remains grateful for the support of her Filipino fans and admitted she learned something new after a bitter end to her first “home” tournament.
Losing at Home Stings a Bit More for Eala
The feisty Osorio, after winning her last match, previously said she was ready to take on the Rafa Nadal Academy alumna. And, indeed, she was, as she took the action to Eala. In the end, it was the Colombian who came out on top, while the hometown bet was left lamenting aspects of her game “that didn’t show up.”
“I think there were certain aspects of my game that didn’t show up today. I think there were certain things I could’ve done better, but it doesn’t have to be a big deal,” Eala admitted on Thursday evening.
Osorio struck first in the opening set, breaking Eala in the third game to move ahead. The 20-year-old answered immediately, breaking back to level the score and briefly taking a 3-2 lead. However, lapses on her serve proved costly, as the Colombian claimed three of the next four games to pocket the first set despite Eala’s late resistance.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Osorio’s depth and variety forced Eala into extended rallies, testing her movement as the Filipina played with heavy taping. Still, the Quezon City native showed grit, breaking serve three times and squaring the set at 4-all after falling behind.
Instead, Osorio remained composed in the moments that mattered. She broke the hometown hero for the fifth time in the match to grab a 5-4 edge, then closed the contest with a crosscourt passing shot that ended the Filipina’s comeback bid after 1 hour and 28 minutes.
“You know, I think I have some good things to take away as well from this week in general,” Eala later said. “But we take it in our stride and move on and just do my best from what I can this match.”
Alex Eala’s Next Tournament
- Tournament: Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500)
- Dates: February 1 – 7, 2026
- Location: Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, UAE 🇦🇪✈️
- Status: Main Draw Wildcard
