Alexandra Eala of the Philippines celebrates a point won against Jessica Pegula during their match on Day 10 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 27, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Al Bello, Getty Images/AFP/File
MANILA – Filipina tennis ace and World No. 50 ranked Alex Eala has already signed up for the WTA 125 Philippine Women's Open, according to the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (PHILTA).
But even if she's already signed up for the tournament, Eala's participation still remains unclear.
The Philippine Women's Open is scheduled for January 26 to 31, 2026, which coincides with the second week of the Australian Open, where Eala is set to compete. Thus, her participation in the Manila tourney will depend on her performance in the year's first Grand Slam.
READ: Manila to host first WTA tourney as Philippine Women's Open scheduled for January 2026
"This WTA 125 coincides with the Australian Open. Australian Open is two weeks, the WTA 125 is on the second week. So kung lumayo siya or manalo siya nang manalo at umabot siya ng third round, quarters, so hindi siya makakalaro sa WTA 125," PHILTA Secretary General John Rey Tiangco said.
The PHILTA official said the WTA gave them two options for the tournament dates.
"Just to give you a background, actually, WTA gave us two options. This is January and another date. The other date would coincide with WTA 1000, wherein Alex would play for sure. So she didn't have a chance, if we chose that date, she wouldn't have a chance to play here. But in this situation, actually, it's still a win-win situation. Because if she reaches, like, the third round or quarters, that's still big for Philippines women's tennis," Tiangco said.
In case Eala will not be able to play in the Manila tourney, there is a possibility other Filipina tennis players who are not WTA ranked may get in through wildcard slots.
There are two wildcards for the qualifying rounds and four wildcards in the main draw.
"Some of our players can actually play in the qualifying. So it's a big opportunity, not just for the tennis community to watch, but some of our top players to experience playing with the top players," Tiangco said.
Interested players may sign up for the WTA 125 tournament until December 28.
At least 40 players from 18 countries have already signed up for the WTA 125 tournament.
READ: Rizal Memorial Tennis Center to be renovated for PH Women's Open
The qualifiers will be on January 24, while the main draw will begin on January 26 where 32 players will compete.
The Philippine Women's Open will be held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila.