Melbourne, Australia – Alexandra Eala, the Philippines’ rising tennis star, experienced a first-round defeat at the Australian Open on Monday, falling to American Alycia Parks in a closely contested match. Despite a strong start and overwhelming support from Filipino fans, Eala couldn’t maintain momentum against the experienced Parks. This marked Eala’s debut in the main draw of the Australian Open, a significant milestone for the 20-year-old and Philippine tennis.
The match at Melbourne Park drew large crowds eager to witness Eala compete, with many waving Philippine flags and chanting her name. The atmosphere was described as both heart-warming and, at times, overwhelming for the young player.
Alexandra Eala’s Australian Open Run Ends in First Round
Eala dominated the first set, winning 6-0 with powerful groundstrokes and aggressive net play. However, Parks, ranked 99th in the world, adjusted her strategy and fought back, ultimately securing a 6-3, 6-2 victory in the subsequent sets. The umpire repeatedly requested the crowd to quiet down during crucial points as fans passionately tried to lift Eala’s spirits.
The Filipino contingent’s enthusiasm extended beyond the stadium, with hundreds gathering to watch on nearby big screens. Eala acknowledged the incredible support, stating it was both encouraging and a factor in the difficulty of accepting the loss. She noted the sheer number of fans at her practice sessions was unexpected.
A Historic Rise for Philippine Tennis
Eala’s participation in the Australian Open is a landmark achievement for tennis in the Philippines. She is the first Filipina to ever compete in the main draw of the tournament. Her recent success, including a breakthrough run to the semi-finals in Miami last year where she defeated world number two Iga Swiatek, has significantly raised the profile of the sport in her home country.
Additionally, Eala made history at the US Open in August, becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a Grand Slam singles match. This victory propelled her into the top 100 rankings and solidified her position as a player to watch. She currently holds a ranking of 49th globally.
Eala trains at the prestigious Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, honing her skills under the guidance of world-class coaches. This training has been instrumental in her rapid development and success on the international stage. She emphasized the importance of learning to manage the attention that comes with her growing popularity.
Despite the disappointment of her first-round exit, Eala remains optimistic about her future. She expressed gratitude for the support she received and recognized the significance of her presence at the Australian Open for Philippine tennis. “I’m still young, so learning how to deal with all of this attention,” she said.
Looking ahead, Eala is expected to continue competing on the WTA Tour, aiming to build on her recent successes and further improve her ranking. Her next tournament schedule remains unconfirmed, but she will likely focus on preparing for upcoming hard-court events. The challenge for Eala will be to consistently translate her potential into match wins against increasingly tough competition, and to navigate the pressures of being a trailblazer for her nation.
Philippines’ Alexandra Eala acknowledges fans as she leaves court after her women’s singles match against USA’s Alycia Parks on January 19, 2026. (Photo by David Gray / AFP)
