Photo credit: Alex Eala’s Instagram page
AUCKLAND – Alex Eala barely had time to take in the magnitude of her achievement before emotion took over. Moments after clinching the Philippines’ first women’s singles gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games in 26 years, the 19-year-old tennis star sprinted toward the stands to embrace her parents — Michael and Rizza — the latter a former SEA Games bronze medalist in the 100-meter backstroke during the 1985 edition in Thailand.
Competing on the same soil where her mother once stood on the podium made the victory even more meaningful. With a beaming smile, Eala ran across the hard court, proudly lifting the Philippine flag as Filipino supporters erupted in celebration.
“It’s so special. As a Filipino, we’re so family-oriented. I think that’s part of our culture and you know, [the] SEA Games is something,” Eala said. “I think it’s very different than the [WTA] because it’s very personal to us, personal to the Southeast Asian countries and it’s special in that way.
“It’s unique and it doesn’t happen every time,” said Eala. “That’s why it’s so important for our family. Of course, my mom was a SEA Games medalist, too.”
Eala delivered a dominant performance in the women’s singles final of the 33rd SEA Games, defeating Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-1, 6-2, on Thursday at the National Tennis Development Center in Nonthaburi. The victory capped a remarkable year competing in Philippine colors and placed her among a select group of Filipina champions. She became only the third Filipino to claim women’s singles gold, following Pia Tamayo in 1981 and Maricris Fernandez in 1999.
The emotional weight of the moment intensified during the medal ceremony, as Eala stood alongside her teammates and sang the national anthem.
“I think the part that really makes me emotional is when they play Lupang Hinirang,” she said. “I’ve dreamed for a long time of being able to bring that kind of pride to the Philippines. So I’m very thankful and humbled to represent our country.”
Eala’s SEA Games campaign extended beyond singles success. Chosen as a flag bearer alongside Alas Pilipinas standout Bryan Bagunas during the opening ceremonies, she went on to collect two bronze medals — one in the women’s team event and another in mixed doubles. Partnering with Niño Alcantara, she reached the mixed doubles semifinals before falling to Thailand’s Patcharin Cheapchandej and Pawit Sornlaksup in a closely contested match. In the team event, Eala was part of the roster with Shaira Rivera, Alexa Milliam, Tennielle Madis, and Stefi Aludo.
“It means a lot. This whole week has been an emotional roller coaster,” Eala said. “Being surrounded by so many athletes, especially fellow Filipinos, just feels different. Having your countrymen around you is really special and it makes me very happy.”
The SEA Games triumph followed a breakout year on the global stage. Eala’s season took off in Miami, where a stunning semifinal run included victories over three Grand Slam champions. Those results earned her main draw entries into the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, where she secured her first Grand Slam match win.
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