Alexandra Eala’s inspiring journey at the 2025 Eastbourne Championship came to a dramatic close as she fell just short of capturing her first WTA title. In a fiercely contested final against Australia’s Maya Joint, Eala lost 6-4, 1-6, 6-7 (10-12) after holding four championship points during a match that stretched beyond two hours and twenty minutes.
This final, the youngest in the tournament’s history since 1981, showcased the rise of a new generation of tennis talent. Eala, who advanced through the qualifiers and defeated top-tier players such as Jelena Ostapenko and Dayana Yastremska, came within inches of becoming the first Filipino to claim a WTA title.
During the trophy presentation, Eala became emotional as she spoke to the crowd. Holding back tears, she expressed how much the moment meant to her and to her country. “It’s a big deal for me and for my country too… I guess that’s also why I’m so emotional, but you know it’s only the first. I’ll definitely work hard to do more.”
Her remarkable run in Eastbourne is expected to significantly boost her WTA ranking and has already sparked a wave of support from fans in the Philippines and across the tennis world. With Wimbledon just around the corner, Eala is preparing to step onto Centre Court for the first time, where she’s scheduled to face defending champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Though she leaves Eastbourne without the trophy, Alexandra Eala departs with the hearts of many, a growing legacy, and a future that looks brighter than ever.
Alexandra Eala in 2025
Ranked no.74, Alexandra played her last match on the 1st of January 1970 when she was defeated by world no.51 Maya Joint 6-4 1-6 7-6(10) in the final in Eastbourne (draw).
This season Alexandra has achieved a composed 26-16 record. Alexandra Eala’s latest run in Eastbourne was the best achievement of her season.