Eala Earns $14K, WTA Points in Manila Quarterfinals
Alexandra “Alex” Eala’s homecoming at the Philippine Women’s Open delivered more than emotion and applause. Her quarterfinal run at the inaugural WTA 125 event in Manila translated into a tangible boost to her professional career: $14,526 in prize money and an estimated 50 to 60 WTA ranking points, the standard haul for a Round of 8 finish at this level.
For the 20-year-old Filipina, ranked World No. 49 heading into the tournament, the numbers underline how performance and progress go hand in hand on the professional tennis circuit. For fans at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, they marked a milestone—proof that world-class tennis, and its rewards, had come to Manila.
Prize Money: What Eala Took Home
Eala’s quarterfinal appearance earned her $14,526 in total prize money, equivalent to approximately PHP 825,000 based on prevailing Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas exchange rates at the time of the tournament.
The figure reflects WTA 125 prize allocations for players reaching the last eight, placing a precise monetary value on each victory she claimed on home soil. In a sport where earnings are directly linked to progression round by round, Eala’s two straight-set wins before bowing out represented a meaningful payday—particularly outside the elite WTA 1000 and Grand Slam levels.
Ranking Points: Climbing the Professional Ladder
Beyond cash, the more lasting currency in tennis is ranking points. Eala’s record—three wins and one loss in the main draw—netted her roughly 50 to 60 WTA points, the customary range for quarterfinalists at WTA 125 tournaments.
These points feed directly into her global ranking, influencing entry into future tournaments, seeding positions, and access to main draws without qualifying rounds. Like small increments on a long ascent, each point strengthens her position in a fiercely competitive field.
How the Campaign Unfolded
The Philippine Women’s Open, staged in early January 2026, marked the country’s first-ever WTA 125 event. Playing in front of a home crowd, Eala opened with authority.
- Round 1: Defeated Alina Charaeva, 6-1, 6-2
- Round 2: Defeated Himeno Sakatsume, 6-4, 6-0
- Quarterfinals (January 29): Lost to Camila Osorio, 4-6, 4-6
The quarterfinal match tested Eala physically, with visible thigh taping as Osorio applied consistent pressure. Still, the contest remained tight, underscoring the narrow margins at this level of the tour.
Voices from the Court
After her opening match, Eala captured the significance of playing at home.
“I just want to thank everyone for being here. I’ve been dreaming of this moment for a long time. Playing at home is a highlight of my career.”
Following her quarterfinal exit, she addressed the crowd in a mix of Tagalog and English, emphasizing presence over disappointment.
“Sayang, hindi pumasa sa level, pero ang importante, nandito ako sa Manila, sa Pilipinas, at nandito ang WTA.”
(“It’s a shame, didn’t pass the level, but the important thing is, I’m here in Manila, in the Philippines, and WTA is here.”)
She added: “Enjoy the rest of the week. I hope you all get inspired and learn to love tennis.”
Osorio, her Colombian conqueror, returned the respect. “She’s an incredible fighter,” she said, later calling Eala a “great competitor.”
Why It Matters Beyond the Cheque
While $14,526 will not transform a professional season on its own, Eala’s Manila run carried broader weight. It showcased the Philippines’ ability to host a WTA-sanctioned event and spotlighted public venues like the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex as viable stages for international sport.
For young players watching from the stands or nearby public courts, the message was simple but powerful: the path from local training to global competition is real—and measurable in points, rankings, and prize money.
Eala now turns her attention to her next assignment, entering the Abu Dhabi Open via wildcard. The Manila chapter ends with a quarterfinal ledger, but its impact—on her career progression and on Philippine tennis—will extend well beyond the balance sheet.
