Alex Eala Advances to Quarterfinals with Calm Victory at Philippine Women's Open
Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala demonstrated remarkable poise and strategic focus to secure a decisive victory over former Japanese rival Himeno Sakatsume, advancing to the women's singles quarterfinals of the Philippine Women's Open. The match, held on Wednesday night, January 28, 2026, at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, saw Eala triumph with scores of 6-4, 6-0 in just 81 minutes, marking a significant redemption after a previous loss to Sakatsume in 2023.
Staying Calm Under Pressure
In a post-game press conference, Eala emphasized the importance of maintaining composure throughout the match. "I think just staying calm was a big part of it," she stated. "Not panicking, I think just taking it point by point was a big key to pulling through that game, and I think that was a very crucial point of the match. Yeah, so I think just staying calm and staying focused was what I did, yeah." This mental approach proved vital as she navigated challenging moments, particularly in the tightly contested first set.
Overcoming Adversity with Experience
Despite playing with a heavily bandaged right thigh, Eala leveraged her experience and the energetic home-court support to dominate her opponent. The victory avenged a 6-3, 6-0 loss to Sakatsume at the 2023 WTA 250 Kinoshita Group Japan Open in Osaka, highlighting a three-year journey of growth and resilience. Eala battled through the first set, saving four break points in the eighth game before breaking Sakatsume in the ninth with a powerful crosscourt forehand.
Dominant Second Set Performance
In the second set, Eala wore down Sakatsume with precise groundstrokes and relentless court coverage, finishing decisively in just 33 minutes. Reflecting on her performance, she noted, "I was able to get my groove the longer I was on court. There were so many difficult moments, especially in the first set, but I'm happy with how I pulled through." Her ability to balance aggressive play with defensive savvy, honed through rigorous preparation, was key to her success.
Home Support and Future Challenges
The match underscored the influence of home support, with Eala acknowledging the crowd's role in boosting her energy. "When I'm in those moments, it's really just me versus me, but the crowd definitely helps," she added. Her reward is a quarterfinal clash against seasoned Colombian No. 5 Camila Osorio, who praised Eala's passion and fighting spirit. "She's a great competitor. She fights to the last point, which I really like about her game and mindset," Osorio said.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
Eala expressed excitement for the upcoming match, planning to approach it with the same point-by-point mindset. "She's very experienced and skilled, and off the court, a sweet person. It's going to be a battle, like every match. I'm excited," she remarked. This victory not only advances her in the tournament but also reinforces her status as a rising star in Philippine tennis, inspiring fans with her dedication and composure.
