Alex Eala 2026 Season Recap: First WTA title, Grand Slam runs, and historic milestones

Alexandra “Alex” Eala wrapped up her historic 2026 campaign on Sunday, settling for a runner-up finish at the Hong Kong Tennis Open after falling to American Claire Liu, 6-3, 6-0, in the final.

Despite the defeat, Eala had plenty to celebrate after a breakthrough season that saw her capture her first WTA Tour singles title at the DC Open last July, defeating American Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, in the final.

The Filipina also claimed a WTA 125 title at the Birmingham Open last June, adding another milestone to her growing professional career.

On the Grand Slam stage, Eala reached the Round of 16 at Wimbledon and the Round of 32 at the US Open, further showcasing her development against some of the world's top players.

From winning her maiden WTA title to making deep runs in major tournaments, Eala's 2026 campaign marked a significant chapter in Philippine tennis history.

Here is a recap of Eala’s historic 2026 season:

Alex Eala's Season recap (singles)

Asian swing

• Hong Kong Tennis Open — Runner-up
• Pan Pacific Open — Quarterfinals
• Ningbo Open — Round of 16
• Wuhan Open — Round of 64
• Singapore Tennis Open — Round of 16

North American swing

• US Open — Round of 32
• Cincinnati Open — Round of 32
• Canadian Open — Round of 16
• DC Open — Champion

Grass-court swing

• Wimbledon (Grand Slam) — Round of 16
• Bad Homburg Open (WTA 500) — Round of 32
• Berlin Tennis Open (WTA 500) — Semifinals
• HSBC Championships (WTA 500) — Round of 16
• Birmingham Open (WTA 125) — Champion

Clay-court swing

• French Open (Grand Slam) — Round of 128
• Italian Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 32
• Madrid Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 64
• Stuttgart Open (WTA 500) — Round of 32
• Linz Open (WTA 500) — Round of 16

Sunshine Swing

• Miami Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 16
• Indian Wells Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 16

Middle East Swing

• Dubai Tennis Championships (WTA 1000) — Quarterfinals
• Qatar Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 64
• Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) — Quarterfinals

Philippine Women’s Open (WTA 125) — Quarterfinals

Australian Swing

• Australian Open (Grand Slam) — Round of 128
• ASB Classic (WTA 250) — Semifinals

—JKC, GMA News