Guadalajara: Filipino tennis player Alex Eala achieved a significant milestone by capturing her first Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) title at the Guadalajara 125 Open. Eala triumphed over Hungarian Panna Udvardy with a score of 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 in the final held at the Panamerican Tennis Center hardcourt in Zapopan, Mexico.

According to Philippines News Agency, Eala, who is currently ranked No. 75 in the world, showcased remarkable performances throughout the tournament. She overcame American Kayla Day in the semifinals with a 6-2, 6-3 victory, defeated Italian Nicole Fossa Huergo in the quarterfinals 7-6 (2), 6-2, and secured wins against American Varvara Lepchenko and Dutch Arianne Hartono in the earlier rounds.

World No. 134 Panna Udvardy also had a notable run in the tournament. She defeated Mexican Jessica Hinojosa Gomez in the first round, followed by wins against Czech Nikola Bartnkova, British fourth seed Francesca Jones, and Russian Maria Kozyreva to reach the final.

Eala’s journey on the WTA Tour began in 2021. Earlier this year, at the 2025 Miami Open, she defeated Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek to reach the semifinals, where she was eventually defeated by Jessica Pegula. Eala also reached her first WTA final at the Lexus Eastbourne Open in June but was bested by Australian Maya Joint.

Last month, Eala made history at the US Open by becoming the first Filipino to win a main draw match at a Grand Slam event, defeating world No. 14 Carla Tauson. However, her run was halted in the second round by Spanish player Cristina Bucsa.

Eala, an alumna of the Rafael Nadal Academy, previously won the US Open junior girls’ singles title in 2022, marking another milestone in her burgeoning tennis career.