
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Alexandra “Alex” Eala made Philippine sporting history by winning her first US Open main-draw match, becoming the first Filipino in the Open Era to do so. She has carried that momentum into the Guadalajara 125 Open.
At the 2025 US Open, the 20-year-old staged a remarkable comeback against 14th seed Clara Tauson, recovering from 5–1 down in the third set to prevail 6–3, 2–6, 7–6 (13‑11), according to official tournament results from the USTA.
In Guadalajara, Eala opened her WTA 125 campaign by defeating Arianne Hartono of the Netherlands 6–2, 6–2, to reach the Round of 16. She will face veteran American Varvara Lepchenko next, with the match scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 4, at 3:20 a.m. Manila time, according to a PH Sports Bureau update.
Lepchenko, 39, is ranked No. 122 by the WTA and is a left-hander like Eala. She previously represented Uzbekistan before switching to the United States in 2007. Lepchenko advanced to the second round in Guadalajara by defeating Maddison Inglis of Australia (WTA official results).
Eala’s rise reflects years of steady accomplishment. She won the Australian Open junior doubles title in 2020 and the US Open junior singles crown in 2022, documented by the ITF. She also reached the semifinals of the 2025 Miami Open, becoming the first Filipina to beat a top‑10 opponent and enter the WTA Top 100.
Trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, Eala moved abroad as a child to pursue elite-level training. She comes from a family with a strong sporting pedigree: her mother, Rizza Maniego-Eala, was a Southeast Asian Games swimmer who won bronze in the 100m backstroke at the 1985 SEA Games (as noted by theAsianparent Philippines); her brother, Miko, played collegiate tennis in the United States; and her uncle, Noli, served as PBA commissioner and later as chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
In a nation where basketball and boxing usually dominate, Eala’s emergence signals a breakthrough in Filipino tennis. Her combination of resilience, authenticity, and results continues to inspire, with endorsements and media attention following her historic performances.
Sources: USTA, WTA, ITF, Philippine Sports Bureau
Team Lakay coaches Mark Sangiao and Rogelio Capan look forward to producing more world champions in MMA after the reopening of the refurbished Team Lakay gym in San Fernando, La Union. … Read More >Team Lakay reopens refurbished gym in San Fernando La Union
The early favorites demonstrated their strength right from the start by securing victories in the Cong. Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup at the Benguet State University gym here on Saturday. … Read More >Front-runners shine in Cong. Yap Cup opening matches
Benguet is poised to host the second edition of the Benguet Martial Arts Festival this month, aiming to unearth and refine martial arts talents within the province. … Read More >Team Lakay Grappling Cup headlines Benguet Martial Arts Festival
The inaugural Congressman Eric Go Yap Basketball Cup is set to tip off this coming Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Benguet State University gymnasium located in La Trinidad, Benguet. … Read More >Cong. Yap Basketball Cup commences
Team Lakay’s Stephen Loman diligently warms up for his sparring sessions as he readies himself to take on former world champion John Lineker in a bantamweight clash set for September 29 in Singapore. … Read More >Loman’s focus remains steadfast as he prepares to face Lineker
The inaugural Cong. Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup slated next month signals the dawn of intense competition. … Read More >Game on for inaugural Cong. Eric Go Yap Congressional Cup
Sangiao was recently honored as one of the recipients of the “Philippines’ Most Outstanding, Multi-Awarded Head Coach and a Man of Compassion, Inspiring, Dedicated in Leadership Award” … Read More >MMA coach Mark Sangiao receives recognition at Gintong Parangal 2023
MMA fighters Carlo Von Bumina-ang and Carlos Alvarez hone their ground game as they gear up for upcoming fights. … Read More >Alavarez, Bumina-ang, groomed as next MMA stars
The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) has announced its pioneering role in organizing the inaugural Victory Day Bike Ride, set to take place on September 3, 2023, within the picturesque bounds of Baguio City. … Read More >PVB’s inaugural Victory Day Bike Ride: A salute to WWII veterans
Team Lakay fighters join more than 300 athletes during the second Konsyerto sa Palasyo on August 6, 2023 at the Malacañang Grounds. … Read More >Konsyerto sa Palasyo Para sa Atletang Pilipino
Jean Claude Saclag is diligently focusing on his strength and conditioning training, aspiring to make his mark in professional MMA. … Read More >Saclag’s amateur career continues amid pro plans
Team Lakay athletes celebrate after securing nine gold medals including five silvers and four bronze at the close of the 2023 Pan Asian BJJFP Gi and No Gi International Open held during the weekend at the Ayala Malls Circuit. … Read More >Team Lakay triumphs with 9 golds in 2023 BJJFP tilt
Share