Alex Eala One Win Away from History After Dominant SEA Games Semifinal Victory
ALEX EALA – Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala continues to prove why she is the Philippines’ brightest tennis star after powering her way into the gold medal match of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
Alex Eala moved one step closer to history after securing a spot in the gold medal match of the women’s singles event at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
Eala advanced to the final following a convincing straight-sets victory over Thailand’s Thasaporn Naklo, 6-1, 6-4, during their semifinal clash on Tuesday at the National Tennis Development Center in Nonthaburi. With the win, the world No. 53 ensured herself a chance to compete for the top prize in the regional meet.
In the championship round, Eala is set to face another Thai contender, Mananchaya Sawangkaew, who is currently ranked 137th in the world. Sawangkaew booked her own finals berth after Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, the world No. 54, was forced to retire from their semifinal encounter due to breathing issues.
Eala’s semifinal performance reflected her strong form throughout the tournament. She reached the last four after dispatching Malaysia’s Shihomi Leong, 6-3, 6-1, in the quarterfinals on Monday. Against Naklo, Eala dominated the opening set with ease, but the second frame proved more challenging as the Thai player mounted a tougher resistance.
Naklo claimed the first two games of the second set before Eala steadied herself to level the score at 2-2. Momentum swung in the Filipina’s favor after a key mistake by Naklo in a lengthy seventh game, allowing Eala to move ahead, 4-3. She then consolidated the break to take a 5-3 lead. Although Naklo managed to stay in contention at 5-4, Eala closed the door emphatically by controlling the final game to seal the match.
“I think her opponent is a very experienced player. I think Alex definitely handled the center court very well. She had some resistance, especially in the second set,” said women’s team head coach Denise Dy.
“I thought the Thai player, Naklo, did a very good job battling and trying to compete back. I think that’s also what makes Alex great. She was able to not only respond very well, but close it out, which I think was very important for her,” she added.
The women’s singles gold medal match is scheduled for Thursday at the same venue, with Eala aiming to deliver the Philippines its first gold in the event since Maricris Fernandez-Gentz achieved the feat in 1999.
Before that, Eala will see action again on Wednesday as she teams up with Nino Alcantara in the mixed doubles semifinals, where the duo will also vie for a place in the final.
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