Alex Eala's Australian Open Doubles Journey Concludes in Opening Round
Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has wrapped up her initial campaign at the 2026 Australian Open, following a defeat in the women's doubles first round. Eala, partnering with Brazilian player Ingrid Martins, faced a challenging match against the Japanese-Polish duo of Shuko Aoyama and Magda Linette on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026, Philippine time, in Melbourne.
A Hard-Fought Battle on the Court
The match unfolded with Eala and Martins seizing an early advantage, establishing a commanding 4-0 lead in the first set. However, a series of unforced errors allowed their opponents to mount a comeback, ultimately clinching the set in a tense tiebreak, where Aoyama and Linette demonstrated superior control.
In the second set, Eala and Martins intensified their efforts, dominating play to secure a 6-2 victory and force a deciding third set. Despite their resurgence, they struggled to maintain momentum in the final set, as Aoyama and Linette took charge, winning 6-3 to advance to the second round.
Shifting Focus to Historic Home Tournament
With this doubles exit, Eala now turns her attention to a significant milestone in Philippine tennis. She is set to compete in the inaugural Women's Tennis Association (WTA) 125 event in the Philippines, the Philippine Women's Open, scheduled to commence on January 26, 2026. This tournament marks a pivotal moment for the sport in the country.
Eala expressed immense enthusiasm about hosting a WTA event locally. "I'm so, so happy that it's finally coming together, it's really happening. It's been a dream to have a home tournament, especially on the WTA stage," she shared in an interview. "I think it's a huge step for tennis in the Philippines and women's tennis especially. I know some friends who are going to play there, so I'm really happy," she added, highlighting the event's broader impact.
Upcoming Tournaments on the Horizon
Beyond the Philippine Women's Open, Eala's schedule includes participation in the Abu Dhabi Open, a WTA 500 tournament starting on February 1, 2026. This continued engagement in high-level competitions underscores her commitment to advancing her career on the international stage.
Eala's performance in the Australian Open singles, where she previously triumphed in the first round, combined with her upcoming tournaments, positions her as a key figure in promoting tennis growth in the Philippines and beyond.
