Alex Eala reflects on historic stint in Eastbourne Open

Eastbourne Open - June 28, 2025 - Alex Eala reacts as she is interviewed after receiving the runners up trophy after losing the women's final against Maya Joint Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala reflected on her historic stint in the recently concluded Eastbourne Open.

It is her first WTA Tour finals stint and she was also the first Filipino to have reached that stage.

Eala, however, narrowly lost to Australia’s Maya Joint in the finals, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(10).

In a social media post, Eala described it as “one of the toughest losses” of her career.

“This has to be one of the toughest losses of my early career, but I firmly believe that it’s these moments that make you stronger and shape your character,” she said in her post.

Eala added she is now “full speed ahead” for her Wimbledon campaign which will start on Tuesday against defending champion Barbora Krejcikova.

In a post-match interview, Eala also explained why her finals stint was a big deal.

“It’s a big deal for me and for my country too because it’s historic. It’s the first time any Filipino has done it. I guess that’s also why I’m so emotional,” she said.

“It’s only the first. I’ll definitely work hard, and it’s Wimbledon next week so I’ll hopefully I’ll forget about this one,” Eala said in jest.

“It’s been a crazy year. I’ll remember this week and this moment forever.”

—JKC, GMA Integrated News

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