Alex Eala Makes History with Epic Comeback Victory, Wins First WTA Title in Guadalajara

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by Misha Cruz

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala wins the Guadalajara Open title.
Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala wins the Guadalajara Open title. Photo: Facebook.

Philippine tennis has a brand new chapter to celebrate. Alex Eala is now a WTA champion.

The 20-year-old Filipina sensation delivered the biggest win of her pro career after rallying from a rough start to topple Hungary’s Panna Udvardy in the Guadalajara 125 Open final, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, early Sunday (PH time). With the victory, Eala etched her name in history as the first Filipino ever to lift a WTA trophy.

It wasn’t easy. Eala looked out of rhythm in the opening set, quickly falling behind as Udvardy controlled the baseline exchanges. But the Rafa Nadal Academy product refused to fold, clawing her way through tense service games in the second set. Twice she stared down break points—at 15-40 and even at 0-40—only to fight back with fearless shot-making. That grit allowed her to edge the set, 7-5, and force a decider.

Hungary’s Panna Udvardy.
Hungary’s Panna Udvardy. Photo: Instagram.

By the third set, momentum had shifted. Eala stormed ahead 4-2, and though she briefly stumbled after a close line call, she regrouped with poise far beyond her years. With the crowd behind her, she closed out the last two games to seal the comeback and her long-awaited breakthrough.

The triumph in Mexico adds to an already impressive résumé. Eala now owns six professional singles titles, including five from the ITF circuit, plus her memorable 2022 US Open girls’ crown. This Guadalajara run, however, stands above them all—it’s proof she belongs among the world’s best.

Alex Eala.
Alex Eala. Photo: Facebook.

Her rise in 2025 has been nothing short of inspiring. From a dream Miami Open campaign to a runner-up finish in Eastbourne last June, Eala has been knocking on the door. She also scored her first Grand Slam main draw win at the US Open earlier this month, a milestone for Philippine tennis.

And she’s not done yet. Fresh off this historic championship, Eala sets her sights on Brazil for the São Paulo Open (Sept. 8–14), where another trophy could await.

For now, though, let the moment sink in: Alex Eala, WTA champion. A trailblazer. A history-maker. A source of pride for every Filipino.