HISTORY MADE: Alex Eala Claims First WTA Singles Title

Alexandra Eala has been the poster child of Philippine tennis and remains one of the top prospects in the world. Today, she nets her first WTA singles title as she claims the victory over Panna Udvardy in the finals of the Guadalajara 125 Open, also known as the Abierto Zapopan.

This win comes off Eala’s historic US Open campaign, where she became the first Filipina ever to win a main-draw match at a Grand Slam. Alex Eala steered her momentum straight into Mexico, entering the Guadalajara 125 Open as the No. 2 seed.

Alex’s tournament journey started by facing off with the Netherlands’ Arriane Hartono, making light work of the opponent in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2. The round of 16 saw Eala facing Varvara Lepchenko, as well as the weather. The match was postponed due to heavy rain on September 4th and was resumed on September 5th. Eala fought hard and bagged the win 6–7 (3), 7–6 (3), 6–3. Just a few hours after beating Lepchenko, Italian Nicole Fossa Huergo awaited Alex at the quarterfinals. Eala showed her fighting spirit, beating Huergo 7–6 (2), 6–2, beating two opponents in one day. In the semi-finals, Alex faced off with USA’s Kayla Day and showed grit, dismantling Day in straight sets once again, 6-2, 6-3.

The Guadalajara 125 Open finals saw a match-up between familiar foes. Hungarian Panna Udvardy last faced Alex Eala at the Oeiras 125 Open in Portugal, where Udvardy came out on top. The Hungarian seemed determined to keep her record intact against Eala as she took the first set of the final dominantly. Ever determined, Eala bounced back in the second set with a brilliant display. The third and final set remained the only obstacle between defeat and glory. In the end, Philippine pride came out on top as Alex Eala is declared the Guadalajara 125 Open Champion, ending the finals 1-6, 7-5, 6-3.

Courtesy of @gdlopen on Instagram

At 20 years old, the sky is the limit for Alexandra Eala. Alex continues to prove that she deserves all the hype she’s been receiving, and this finals win solidifies it. Here’s hoping that this win propels her career to new heights, while inspiring Filipino tennis players and the growth of Philippine tennis as a whole.