Alex Eala Makes History: First Filipina to Capture WTA Title in Guadalajara

Sports | Tennis Posted on 2025-09-07 03:26:51

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has a new reason to celebrate as tennis star Alex Eala etched her name in history by becoming the first-ever Filipino to win a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) championship.

Eala, just 20 years old, displayed courage, grit, and heart in a comeback for the ages at the Guadalajara 125 Open in Mexico, rallying past Hungary’s Panna Udvardy, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, in a thrilling three-set final early Sunday (Philippine time).

What started as a shaky opening set turned into a masterclass of resilience. Down but never defeated, Eala clawed her way back in the second set, holding off multiple break points to even the score. With the momentum shifting, she unleashed her fighting spirit in the decider, closing the match in style to lift her maiden WTA trophy.

“This is more than just my victory—it’s for the Philippines,” Eala said after the match, dedicating her historic title to her countrymen.

The world No. 75’s triumph is the latest milestone in her fast-rising career. Her Guadalajara crown adds to a growing collection that already includes five ITF singles titles, a US Open junior championship in 2022, and multiple Grand Slam appearances—most notably her historic first-round win at the 2025 US Open.

Eala’s title run was far from easy. She battled through rain delays, double matches in a single day, and extended duels against seasoned opponents. Along the way, she toppled American Kayla Day, Italian Nicole Fossa Huergo, veteran Varvara Lepchenko, and Dutch player Arianne Hartono before conquering Udvardy in the finals.

Her victory in Guadalajara is not just a personal triumph—it is a moment of national pride, proving that Filipino athletes can shine on the world’s biggest stages.

With her historic WTA title, Alex Eala has become more than a champion; she is now a symbol of hope and inspiration for every young Filipino dreamer who dares to believe that nothing is impossible.

NPO News Team

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