MANILA, Philippines – Alex Eala’s early exit from the Australian Open has a silver lining.

After getting the boot in the opening round of the first Grand Slam of the year, Eala is confirmed to participate in the Philippine Women’s Open, set to take place at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center from January 26 to 31.

Eala, who is ranked No. 49 in the world, arrived in Manila from Melbourne on Wednesday, January 21, together with parents Rizza and Mike.

“Yes, I will be playing next week. I’m looking forward to it, and I hope people can show up and support the Pinays,” Eala said in a press release.

The Philippine Women’s Open is the first-ever WTA 125 event to be hosted in the country, providing Eala a home event following a scintillating 2025 that saw her accomplish several historic feats.

It also gives Eala a chance to bounce back from her 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 loss to American Alycia Parks in her breakthrough singles main draw appearance in the Australian Open.

Eala had a brief run in the doubles as well, as she and Brazilian partner Ingrid Martins fell to Japan’s Shuko Aoyama and Poland’s Magda Linette.

“It is a huge milestone in Philippine tennis, and I think it’s a big deal for all of us Filipina tennis players,” Eala said.

Aside from Eala, several top 100 players will see action in the country, including world No. 42 Tatjana Maria of Germany, No. 46 Wang Xinyu, No. 63 Solana Sierra of Argentina, No. 72 Donna Vekic of Croatia, No. 84 Camila Osorio of Colombia, and No. 86 Lulu Sun of New Zealand. – Rappler.com