SEA Games 2025: Alex Eala advances to women’s singles final, lifting Philippines medal hopes

Alexandra Eala guaranteed a gold or silver medal for the Philippines in the women's singles tennis at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

The Filipina, currently ranked world No. 53, sealed her spot in the final with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 semi-final victory over Thailand’s Naklo Thasaporn at the National Tennis Development Centre on Tuesday (16 December). 

At just 20 years old, Eala is chasing history as she looks to become the first Filipina since Maricris Fernandez in 1999 to capture SEA Games women’s singles gold. If successful, she would be only the third Filipina to claim the title, and the first in the 21st century. 

A flagbearer for the Philippines at the SEA Games Opening Ceremony, Eala will take on another Thai player in Thursday’s (18 December) final.

Her opponent will be world No. 240 Mananchaya Sawangkaew, who advanced after Janice Tjen, ranked No. 54, retired while trailing 6-4 due to breathing difficulties. 

With her place in the final confirmed, Eala has already added a guaranteed singles gold or silver to the women’s team bronze she previously earned. She could further boost her medal tally in the mixed doubles alongside partner Francis Casey "Niño" Alcantara, with the pair set to contest their semi-final on Wednesday (17 December). 

The 2025 SEA Games in Thailand mark Eala’s return to regional competition after last featuring at the 2021 Games, staged in 2022 in Vietnam. The Quezon City-born player picked up three bronze medals there, in women’s singles, mixed doubles, and the women’s team event.