The long wait is finally over.
Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala has captured the Women’s Singles Gold Medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand today, Thursday, December 18, delivering a historic victory that ends a nearly three-decade drought for the Philippines.
Playing against the home crowd favourite and No. 3 seed Mananchaya Sawangkaew at the National Tennis Development Center in Nonthaburi, Eala displayed poise beyond her years. The 20-year-old Filipina dominated the final in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, silencing the local Thai supporters and securing the Philippines’ first women’s singles gold since Maricris Fernandez won in 1999.
“I have no words to describe what 2025 has brought me,” Eala has said of her breakthrough season. Today’s victory adds the crowning jewel to a year that saw her crack the WTA Top 50.
Consulate confirms Kooyong Classic appearance
For Filipino-Australian fans in Victoria, the celebrations are just beginning, with official confirmation that Eala will be playing in Melbourne earlier than expected.
Following her historic win, the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne released a statement congratulating the young star and confirming her participation in the prestigious Kooyong Classic warm-up event.
“Congratulations to our Alex Eala for winning SEAG Gold in Women’s Tennis!” the Consulate posted on social media.
“We can’t wait to welcome you to Melbourne as you join the Kooyong Classic this January 13-15, before the Australian Open.”
The Consulate has encouraged the Filipino community to come out in force to support Eala, directing fans to the official Kooyong website for tickets. This exhibition tournament is a traditional precursor to the Grand Slam, often hosted at the spiritual home of Australian tennis, and will serve as Eala’s final tune-up before the major event.
Australian Open main draw awaits
After her stint at Kooyong, Eala will head straight to Melbourne Park.
She has officially secured a direct entry into the Australian Open 2026 Main Draw. Thanks to her career-high ranking, she will bypass the gruelling qualifying rounds – where she has fought in previous years—and step directly onto the blue courts to face the world’s best.
Eala’s rise from a promising junior champion to a SEA Games Gold Medalist and Grand Slam main draw contender is a testament to her grit. As she heads down under, she carries not just her racquets, but the pride of a nation that has waited 26 years for this moment.
The Kooyong Classic runs from January 13-15, followed by the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.
