NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 24: Alexandra Eala of the Philippines celebrates match point against Clara Tauson of Denmark during their Women's Singles First Round match on Day One of the 2025 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 24, 2025 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFP MANILA — Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala is heading into the Philippine Women's Open armed with the same mindset as with tournaments abroad.
Eala is grateful and humbled to finally the country's first WTA 125 tournament is finally happening, giving her the home crowd and court advantage.
But the 20-year-old is choosing not to dwell on this, preparing like she always does while she's on the WTA Tour.
"I never — going into any tournament whatsoever — I never go in expecting to win the whole thing. So although this is at home, my mindset in that sense is no different," she said in a press conference before the main draw.
"So I take it match by match. I'll do everything I can to win my first one. But if not, you know, it is what it is. You can't win all the time," Eala added.
The WTA No. 49 Eala is among the favorites to win it all, as she is also the No. 2 seed in the main draw of the Philippine Women's Open.
For Alex Eala, PH Women's Open a platform for Pinoys to learn more about tennis
But the 20-year-old said she has a bigger goal that goes beyond winning the historic tournament.
"I think the fact that this is happening and the fact that I'm able to have a match at home is really the focus of this tournament. And the fact that there are so many Filipinos in the draw, that's the focus and the highlight of this week for me more than winning the whole thing," she said.
Eala's first assignment in the Round of 32 is Russia's Alina Charaeva, whom she faced in the ITF Circuit in 2022.
After losing to Charaeva in their last meeting, Eala aims to put her best foot forward in front of her fellow Filipinos, who will be rallying behind her at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila.
"Yes, I have met her. She's a very nice person, I think, and a great player. So I'm just going to go and I've done everything to prepare to the best of my ability. So I'm going to go and do my best," she said.
The main draw of the Philippine Women's Open will begin on January 26, Monday.
Alex Eala says not thinking about legacy yet, focuses on 'inspiring people in a positive way'
RELATED VIDEO: