Alex Eala and her historic career moments in 2025

The year 2025 will surely be a memorable one for Alex Eala.

After all, it’s the year she achieved several career breakthroughs that have secured her place in the history books of Philippine sports.

Here are some of her standout moments from this year:

Miami Open dream run

It all started with a dream. Back in March, Eala competed in the Miami Open, where she reached the semifinals of the prestigious WTA 1000 event.

Along the way, she defeated Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek after opening her campaign against Katie Volynets of the United States.

In the semifinals, she eventually fell to Jessica Pegula.

Eala-Gauff Duo in Italian Open

French Open and US Open champion Coco Gauff partnered with Alex Eala in the Italian Open doubles competition in May. The duo reached the quarterfinals but fell to the Italian pair of Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini.

Going Grand Slam

Eala made her Grand Slam main draw debut in May at the French Open. However, she lost in the first round to Emiliana Arango.

In doubles, she reached the second round alongside partner Renata Zarazúa of Mexico.

Eastbourne Open Finals: Her first WTA final appearance

In June, Eala reached the finals of the Eastbourne Open, becoming the first Filipino player to reach a WTA Tour final.

She came up just short against Australia’s Maya Joint, falling 4-6, 6-1, 6(10)-7(12).

Still, her performance propelled her to a career-high world ranking of No. 56.

Welcome to Wimbledon

In July, Eala took to Centre Court at Wimbledon, where she faced then-defending champion Barbora Krej?íková in the first round. Eala won the opening set but lost the next two, finishing 6-3, 2-6, 1-6.

In doubles, she and partner Eva Lys reached the second round.

Eala conquers the concrete jungle of New York

Returning from a shoulder injury just in time for the US Open, Eala made history once again.

In the first round, she defeated Denmark’s Clara Tauson, 6-3, 2-6, 7(13)-6(11), becoming the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam main draw match.

She bowed out in the next round, falling to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, 6-4, 6-3.

First WTA 125 Title

Eala then continued her historic season by winning her first WTA 125 title at the Guadalajara 125 Open in Mexico.

She defeated Hungary’s Panna Udvardy in the finals, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3.

And the season is not yet over for Eala.

She is expected to go to Brazil this week for the SP Open. Later this year, she will also compete in several events in Asia.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News