Alex Eala has been selected to carry the Philippines’ flag at the 2025 SEA Games opening ceremony, marking another high-profile milestone in the career of the 20-year-old tennis standout. This choice comes amid a landmark year for Eala, who has continued to push boundaries on the international stage. In November, she cracked the WTA top 50, becoming the highest-ranked Filipino in tour history. She also made a historic achievement by becoming the first Filipina to win a match in the US Open women’s singles main draw. Earlier in the season, she captured her first WTA title at the Guadalajara 125 event, underscoring her rapid ascent. The Bangkok event will be Eala’s return to regional competition after her previous SEA Games appearance three years ago in Hanoi, where she earned bronze medals in women’s singles, mixed doubles, and the women’s team event. Eala is part of a Philippine delegation expected to include more than a thousand athletes across 50 sports, highlighting the nation’s broad participation and ambition for the games.
