Filipina tennis star Alex Eala made a strong statement in her opening match at the 2025 Oeiras Open, defeating Dutch player Anouk Koevermans in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, to advance to the Round of 16.
The 19-year-old, who entered the tournament as the top seed for the first time in her career, overcame both her opponent and the weather. The match, which began on Monday, was suspended due to heavy rain with Koevermans leading 4-2 in the second set. But Eala returned on Tuesday with renewed focus, winning four straight games to close out the match in dominant fashion.
Currently ranked World No. 72, Eala is riding high on momentum after a breakout performance at the Miami Open, where she notched stunning wins over Jelena Ostapenko (No. 25), Madison Keys (No. 5), and Iga Swiatek (No. 2)—becoming the first Filipino in 50 years to defeat a top-10 player at the tournament.
Next up, she faces the Round of 16 in the WTA 125 event and will also compete in doubles alongside American partner Katie Volynets—whom she previously defeated en route to the Miami semifinals. They’ll take on the U.S. duo Carmen Corley and Christina Rosca on Wednesday, April 16.
Thanks to her Top 100 ranking, Eala is now eligible for direct entry into all four Grand Slam tournaments—Wimbledon, US Open, French Open, and Australian Open—a historic achievement for Philippine tennis.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Eala expressed her long-term ambitions:
“I’m confident I’ll win a Grand Slam one day. I also hope to represent the Philippines at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”
With her grit, talent, and composure, Alex Eala continues to blaze a trail on the international tennis stage.
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