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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Alex Eala thrills fans as Manila rolls out red carpet for tennis star

Alex Eala thrills fans as Manila rolls out red carpet for tennis star

Published Jan 21, 2026 06:12 pm

At A Glance

  • Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala excites her fans after she boarded a plane bound for Manila, which hints at her possible participation in the inaugural Philippine Women's Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center from Jan. 24 to 31.
By CHRISTAN SALVAÑA
Intern
Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala excites her fans after she boarded a plane bound for Manila, which hints at her possible participation in the inaugural Philippine Women's Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center from Jan. 24 to 31.
In an Instagram story on Wednesday, Jan. 21, the 20-year-old Eala shared a photo of herself on a plane with the text "Next-> MNL" after her run in the Australian Open.
The WTA No. 49 will have ample time to recover in a busy month highlighted by her main draw debut in the first Grand Slam tournament of the season.
She lost to American Alycia Parks, 6-0, 3-6, 2-6 in the first round of the singles event, and dropped a 6(3)-7, 6-2, 3-6 result with her brazilian partner Brazilian Ingrid Martins against Japan's Shuko Aoyama and Poland's Magda Linette in doubles.
Eala is trying to win her second WTA title after ruling the 2025 Guadalajara Open.
The Philippine Sports Commission has been doing an extensive job of rehabilitating the tennis courts and the surrounding areas at the Rizal Memorial Complex.
Throng of fans are expected to watch the games should Eala participate in the tournament.
Early Wednesday, tickets in the semifinal and final were already sold out.
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