Filipino netters turn to Alex Eala for SEA Games boost

Alexandra Eala of Philippines celebrates her win against Madison Keys during Day 6 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 23, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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BANGKOK, Thailand — The Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) is banking on the participation of WTA No. 52 Alex Eala for Team Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games here as hostilities begin with the team event on Wednesday, December 10.

Eala, 20, is Team Philippines’ flagbearer, alongside Alas Pilipinas’ Bryan Bagunas in the opening ceremony on Tuesday night.

The Filipina is competing in her second SEA Games, bagging three bronze medals in her first stint in Vietnam back in 2022.

PHILTA Secretary General John Rey Tiangco said the team will be feeding off of the excitement surrounding Eala’s inclusion in the lineup, as they hope for a bigger medal haul in Thailand.

“Our men and women's teams are in high spirits and have prepared well for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. Adding to the excitement is Alex Eala's participation as one of the flag bearers for the Philippines, for which I am very happy and grateful,” he said.

“Not only does her presence inspire our tennis squads, it also inspires the entire 1,600-strong Philippine delegation. We hope that tennis will continue to be a source of pride and honor for the country, with the help of Alex Eala and her other talented teammates.”

Other members of the tennis team include Eric Olivarez, Alberto Lim, Alexa Milliam, Fracnis Alcantara, Ruben Gonzales, Shaira Rivera, Tennielle Madis, Stefi Aludo and Arthur Craig Pantino.

The SEA Games tennis event begins with the men’s and women’s team competition, with the singles and doubles competitions slated to begin on Sunday, December 14. All tennis events are held at the National Tennis Development Center in Nonthaburi. (POC Media Pool)