Tennis: Filipino Tennis Star Alex Eala Books Semifinal Spot at Guadalajara Open with Double Victory, Making History

Eala’s Historic Run: From Rain-Delayed Comeback to Guadalajara Semifinals

PHOTO: SARAH STIER / GETTY IMAGES

Guadalajara Mexico, 5 September 2025 - Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala continues to make history on the global stage, storming her way into the semifinals of the Guadalajara 125 Open in Zapopan, Mexico after securing two victories in a single day.

At just 20 years old, Eala is proving herself as one of the brightest young talents in international tennis and a true trailblazer for Philippine sports - defeating

Top 100 Breakthrough

Earlier this year at the 2025 Australian Open, Eala lost in round one of the qualifiers. Ranked No. 140, she was awarded a wildcard for the Miami Open, where she defeated Katie Volynets, Jeļena Ostapenko, and Madison Keys, and had a walkover against Paula Badosa.

She then defeated Iga Świątek in the quarterfinals before losing to Jessica Pegula in the semifinals.

Following these results, Eala became the first Filipino to reach a WTA semifinal, the first Filipino woman to defeat a major champion at a tour-level event in the Open Era, and the first wildcard in history to defeat three major champions in straight sets at a single WTA event.

PHOTO: ELSA / GETTY IMAGES

A Historic Journey

Earlier this year, Eala etched her name in the record books as the first Filipino tennis athlete in history to win a Grand Slam Open match. Her Guadalajara campaign adds another exciting chapter to her already impressive career, capturing the attention of both Filipino fans and the global tennis community.

For the first time since her finals run in Eastbourne last June, Eala has now reached the quarterfinals of a WTA event, underscoring her steady rise in the rankings.

The Comeback Against Lepchenko

In the Round of 16, Eala faced 39-year-old veteran Varvara Lepchenko of the United States. The clash stretched across two days after heavy rain forced a suspension of play.

Eala started strong, racing to a 3-0 lead in the first set, but Lepchenko clawed back to steal it in a grueling 9-7 tiebreak that lasted nearly 80 minutes. Undeterred, Eala showed her trademark grit in the second, forcing another tiebreak and this time seizing control, leveling the match with nerves of steel.

When play resumed on Friday morning, the 2022 US Open girls champion wasted no time. Right off the restart, Eala broke Lepchenko’s serve and built a critical 5-2 lead. With poise and determination, she sealed the win with a crisp two-handed backhand down the line, completing the 6(3)-7(7), 7(7)-6(3), 6-3 comeback to advance.

Advancing to the Quarterfinals

Earlier in the tournament, Eala cruised past Dutch opponent Arianne Hartono, 6-2, 6-2, in the Round of 32—extending her head-to-head dominance over Hartono to 4-0 since their first meeting in 2023.

Her quarterfinal showdown came against Italy’s Nicole Fossa Huergo, who herself had upset seventh seed Katarzyna Kawa of Poland, 6-7(2), 6-0, 6-1. This encounter marked their second career meeting, with Eala aiming to avenge her 2022 loss to Huergo at the W60 Templeton event in California, when she was just 17.

Fueled by momentum and confidence, Eala’s performance against Huergo propelled her into the semifinals of the Guadalajara Open, just three wins away from capturing the championship.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM / @ALEXEALA

A Rising Star for Philippine Tennis

Eala’s success in Guadalajara is more than just another step in her career—it’s a defining moment for Philippine tennis. Her victories not only elevate her international standing but also inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes to dream big and aim for the world stage.

What’s Next?

As Eala marches into the semifinals, the excitement surrounding her run continues to build. Filipino fans across the globe are rallying behind her, hopeful that she can carry her winning momentum all the way to the championship.

With every swing of the racket, Alex Eala is proving that she belongs among tennis’s rising stars. And for the Philippines, she’s more than just a player—she’s a symbol of resilience, pride, and the boundless potential of Filipino athletes. #Tennis #WTA #GuadalajaraOpen