BANGKOK, Thailand — Filipino tennis star Alex Eala has taken a strong early position in the women’s singles competition at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, advancing directly to the round of 16 after receiving a first-round bye in the tournament draw.
As the No. 1 seed and highest-ranked player in the field, Eala — currently ranked inside the world’s top 60 — did not have to play in the opening round, automatically securing her spot in the next stage of competition. She will now face the winner of the second-round match between Malaysia’s Shihomi Leong and Laos’ Aliya Vongdala, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals.
The 20-year-old Filipina has been a standout presence for Team Philippines in this year’s Games. Eala also served as one of the team’s flag-bearers during the opening ceremonies, a role she described as a “once-in-a-lifetime honor” that underscored her leadership in both individual and team events.
Beyond singles, Eala is expected to shoulder a busy schedule, with entries in mixed doubles and other events that showcase the depth of Filipino talent in the tennis competitions.
Her advancement in singles comes on the heels of a bronze medal for the Philippines’ women’s tennis team, secured earlier in the tournament after a hard-fought quarterfinal victory before a semifinal loss to hosts Thailand. Eala played a key role in that success, helping the squad claim its place on the podium.
Eala’s SEA Games campaign builds on an impressive 2025 season for the rising star, which saw her capture her first WTA title, crack the Top 50 of the world rankings, and make history with a Grand Slam match win at the US Open — achievements that have marked her as one of Philippine sport’s most promising figures.
As the Games progress, all eyes will be on Eala as she seeks to convert her early advantage into medal-contending results in both singles and doubles action.
