What’s next for Alex Eala after Australian Open stint?

Alexandra “Alex” Eala’s Australian Open campaign may be over, but the young Filipina remains busy as the tennis season moves forward.

Following her exit in Melbourne, Eala could return home to the Philippines, where she has received a wildcard entry to the Philippine Women’s Open, scheduled to begin on January 26.

If she proceeds, the tournament will mark her first WTA 125 event on home soil and the country’s first time to host a WTA 125 competition. The tournament will run until January 31.

Eala has previously described the prospect of playing in a home tournament as a longtime dream.

“I’m so, so happy that it’s finally coming together, it’s really happening,” Eala said during her pre-Australian Open press conference. “It’s been a dream to have a home tournament, especially on the WTA stage.”

“I think it’s a huge step for tennis in the Philippines and women’s tennis especially. I know some friends who are going to play there, so I’m really happy. It’s going to bring a lot of inspiration and motivation for the girls back home, and it’s a big step in the right direction,” she added.

Eala is also listed in the Abu Dhabi Open, a WTA 500 tournament set to open on February 1.

According to the WTA website, the Filipina tennis ace is entered as a qualifier, which means her matches could begin ahead of the main draw.

However, the tournament’s official website lists Eala and fellow supposed qualifier Ashlyn Krueger among the player pool alongside main draw entrants, including defending champion Belinda Bencic and Leylah Fernandez.

Whichever tournament she ultimately competes in, Eala is expected to face stiff competition against some of the world’s top players as she looks to accumulate WTA ranking points.

A WTA 125 event awards 125 ranking points to the champion, while a WTA 500 tournament offers 500 points to the winner. WTA rankings are based on a 52-week cumulative system, with standings determined by results from a maximum of 18 tournaments.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News