A year ago today, Alex Eala captured first-ever WTA125 title in Guadalajara

Exactly a year ago today, Alexandra "Alex" Eala etched her name in the history books.

The Filipina tennis star captured her first-ever WTA 125 title after outlasting Hungary’s Panna Udvardy in a grueling 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 comeback victory to rule the Guadalajara Open.

Eala, then ranked No. 75 in the WTA rankings, shrugged off an overwhelming Set 1 hiccup to turn back Udvardy and complete the dramatic come-from-behind win, becoming the first Filipina to win a WTA125 title.

Since then, Eala has climbed the ranks to establish herself among the world’s best. She is now the world No. 18 and has already captured her first WTA Tour title, ruling the WTA 500 Mubadala DC Open after beating several higher-ranked opponents, including Jessica Pegula in the final.

READ MORE | Alex Eala stuns Jessica Pegula in DC Open finals for first career WTA title

Eala has also grown into a global name, gaining recognition from major US news outlets while attracting multiple brand partnerships off the court.

More recently, she made more history at the US Open, reaching the third round for the first time, another maiden feat for a Filipino in the tournament.

See more photos from Alex Eala's 2026 season

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News