Alex Eala stays positive after Australian Open 2026 exit
This handout picture released by Tennis Australia on January 19, 2026, shows Philippines’ Alexandra Eala speaks at a press conference on day two of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. (Photo by Vince CALIGIURI / TENNIS AUSTRALIA / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala remained gracious in defeat despite the first-round exit in her main draw debut at the Australian Open 2026.
Eala posted an Instagram story of her candid picture smiling, still thankful for the opportunities she’s earned as a young professional tennis player.
READ: Alex Eala’s Melbourne main draw debut ends after ‘overwhelming’ scenes
“Tough loss today, but dropping this here as a reminder to be happy about living out your dreams even if it comes with bad days,” wrote Eala
The Filipino tennis ace couldn’t sustain her strong first set win and absorbed a tough 6-0, 3-6, 2-6 loss to American Alycia Parks in the round on Monday at Melbourne Park.
The 20-year-old Eala came out firing with an emphatic 6-0 opening set victory before losing steam.
The Filipino fans, who got a warning from the umpire several times during the match, gave Eala some love before she exited the court, and the rising star took time to accommodate them.
Eala, a 2020 Australian Open girls’ doubles champion, begins her doubles tournament campaign with Brazilian Ingrid Martins as they battle Magda Linette of Poland and Shuko Aoyama of Japan on Tuesday afternoon.
