Alexandra Eala’s Triumph at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games
Alexandra Eala has once again showcased her exceptional talent, securing a gold medal for the Philippines in tennis during the 2025 Southeast Asian Games. At just 20, Eala has already made her mark on the international stage, currently sitting at 53rd in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, a significant achievement for a player so young.
Training with Legends
In preparation for this major event, she trained with tennis legend Rafael Nadal, a session that likely contributed to her impressive performance in the tournament held at the National Tennis Development Center in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Team Contributions
Eala’s contributions were instrumental for Team Philippines, where her participation included the women’s team event and mixed doubles. The women’s team, which included players like Stefi Marithe Aludo and Alexa Joy Milliam, managed to clinch a hard-fought victory over Vietnam in the quarterfinals but fell to Thailand in the semifinals, ultimately earning a bronze medal.
In mixed doubles, Eala paired with Francis Casey Alcantara. They had a successful start with a first-round bye and went on to defeat the Singaporean team of Deanne Choo Wei Lin and Daniel Quinsay Abadia before having their run cut short by a strong Thai pair, which also landed them a bronze medal.
Outstanding Singles Performance
However, it was in the women’s singles where Eala truly shone. As the top seed, she advanced through the tournament with ease, first overcoming Shihomi Li Xuan Leong in the quarterfinals and then defeating Thasaporn Naklo in the semifinals. In the final match, she triumphed over the home favorite Mananchaya Sawangkaew, winning decisively with scores of 6-1, 6-2. This victory has marked her as the first Filipina to secure a singles gold medal in tennis at the Southeast Asian Games since Maricris Fernandez in 1999. Pia Tamayo previously achieved a similar feat in 1981.
Philippines’ Performance at the Games
The ongoing Southeast Asian Games, which will conclude on December 20, 2025, features the Philippines as a standout performer, boasting a total of 214 medals thus far, including 39 gold. They currently rank fourth in the overall medal tally, holding the highest number of bronze medals among participating nations.
Looking Ahead
As Eala looks toward the 2026 season, she aims to build upon her recent successes. Notably, she ranks as the fifth highest among players under 21 years of age, trailing behind rising stars such as Mirra Andreeva and Victoria Mboko. Despite not completing a full season on the WTA Tour in 2025, Eala is anticipated to pursue a full schedule in 2026, striving for a spot in the Grand Slam seedings and solidifying her position among the world’s elite tennis players.
