AFTER falling just short of a historic WTA title, Alex Eala poured her heart out and, her voice trembling, she vowed to “work even harder” for the Philippines.
In her on-court speech after a runner-up finish to Maya Joint at the WTA 250 Eastbourne Open, the 20-year-old broke down in tears as she acknowledged the weight of becoming the first from her country to reach a tour-level final.
Though the trophy slipped through her fingers after the the 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10-12) loss to the Aussie teen, Eala earned cheers from the crowd as her words echoed not in defeat, but in quiet promise — to rise again, stronger, for flag and country.
READ Filipinos laud Eala's brave stand in Eastbourne Open final loss
“It’s my first WTA final and it’s a big deal for me and my country too, it’s the first time any Filipino has done anything [like it],” Eala said after the fiercely fought finale against the Australian rising star that lasted for over two hours.
She added: “That’s also why I’m so emotional, this is definitely a first and I will definitely work hard to do more. Wimbledon is next week so hopefully I'll forget about this match soon.
"[But] I’ll remember this week and this moment forever.”
Showing grace and in defeat, Eala began her remarks with a heartfelt message for her opponent, acknowledging the 19-year-old’s talent and poise on court.
“I want to congratulate Maya for a great match and a great tournament. I think you did really well, and if I were to lose to anyone this week, it’d definitely be you.”
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Eala later took to social media to reflect on the journey that led her to Eastbourne’s biggest stage.
It took four grass-court tournaments for the Filipina to finally find her footing on the surface. She bowed out in the opening round of the Birmingham Classic, made a quarterfinal run at the Ilkley Open, and exited in the round of 32 at Nottingham.
Then came Eastbourne. Starting from the qualifiers, Eala carved through the draw, toppling established names like Jelena Ostapenko, Hailey Baptiste, Lucia Bronzetti, Dayana Yastremska, and Varvara Gracheva to reach her maiden WTA final.
In her seventh match of the week, it was the Aussie teenager who finally halted her run — delivering Eala her first heartbreak of the grass tourney.
But even in defeat, Eala stood at the doorstep of another milestone: a historic Wimbledon main draw debut, the first for any Filipino.
“This has to be one of the toughest losses of my early career,” she said. “But I firmly believe it’s these moments that make you stronger and shape your character. Though I’m so happy with the positive week, it’s full speed ahead to Wimbledon. I have a date with Centre Court.”
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