Alex Eala wins her first SEA Games gold in women's tennis

Alexandra “Alex” Eala flexed her might in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games after a dominant 6-1, 6-2, win against Mananchaya Sawangkaew of Thailand in the gold medal match on Thursday.

Eala jumped out to an early 3–0 lead in the first set before Mananchaya managed to break through. The Filipina bounced back quickly, however, winning the next three games to take the opening set.

In the second set, Eala and Mananchaya were even through the first four games before the Filipina tennis ace powered through, winning the next four games to seal the title.

This is Eala’s first gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games and her third medal this year after getting two bronzes in the women’s team event and mixed doubles. Back in 2021, Eala settled for bronze in the women’s singles event.

This also marks the Philippines’ third gold medal in SEA Games women’s tennis after Pia Tamayo in 1981 and Maricris Fernandez in 1999.