Camille Naredo

January 19: Alexandra Eala (PHI) during a press conference at the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park Monday, January 19, 2026.

January 19: Alexandra Eala (PHI) during a press conference at the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park Monday, January 19, 2026. Photo by TENNIS AUSTRALIA/Vince Caligiuri

Article (news)

260119 AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA -- Fresh off her debut in the main draw of the Australian Open, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is heading home.</p><p>Eala on Wednesday afternoon shared a photo from inside an airplane on an Instagram Story, with the caption: &quot;Next → MNL.&quot;</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768988591869Image.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Alex Eala is headed to Manila after her campaign in the Australian Open. Eala/IG" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Alex Eala is headed to Manila after her campaign in the Australian Open. <em>Eala/IG</em></span></span></span></div><p>The 20-year-old is expected to compete in the inaugural Philippine Women&#x27;s Open as a wildcard.</p><p>Her return to the country comes after a busy campaign in the year&#x27;s first Grand Slam, where Eaela made her main draw debut in both singles and doubles.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/1/19/alex-eala-vs-alycia-parks-australian-open-round-1-1341">READ: Alex Eala bows to Parks, exits Australian Open</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/1/20/tennis-eala-martins-ousted-in-first-round-of-australian-open-doubles-1839">READ: Eala, Martins ousted in first round of Australian Open doubles</a></div><p>In singles, she bowed out in the opening round after a three-set battle against world No. 100 Alycia Parks, 6-0, 3-6, 2-6, in a match that drew strong Filipino support at Court 6.</p><p>Eala also competed in the women&#x27;s doubles, teaming up with Brazil&#x27;s Ingrid Martins. The pair pushed seasoned opponents Magda Linette and Shuko Aoyama to three sets before falling, 6-7 (3), 6-2, 3-6, in the first round.</p><p>Despite the early exits, Eala&#x27;s Australian Open run was marked by historic firsts, growing international attention, and vocal Filipino crowds that followed her throughout the tournament.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/1/19/tennis-new-manny-pacquiao-alex-eala-says-malayo-pa-ako-1726">READ: New Manny Pacquiao? Alex Eala says &#x27;malayo pa ako&#x27;</a></div>

<p>Fresh off her debut in the main draw of the Australian Open, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is heading home.</p>

Fresh off her debut in the main draw of the Australian Open, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is heading home.

Tennis: After Australian Open campaign, Alex Eala returns to Manila

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Tennis: After Australian Open campaign, Alex Eala returns to Manila

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jan 21, 2026 05:46 PM PHT

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Updated Jan 21, 2026 06:02 PM PHT

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tennis

Australian Open

Alex Eala

Philippine Women's Open

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