Alex Eala's place at Philippine WTA 125 event still unconfirmed
The Philippine Tennis Association says it would offer the world No. 19 a wildcard if she chooses to compete, subject to tournament rules and approval.
Alex Eala has not confirmed whether she will compete in the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open in January 2027, the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) said on 16 October. The clarification followed its earlier statement that ranking restrictions would prevent her from playing.
PHILTA Secretary-General John Rey Tiangco said Eala was concentrating on her remaining tournaments in 2026 and that the association would respect her team’s scheduling decisions. If she opts to take part, PHILTA would offer her a wildcard, conditional on tournament rules and approval.
The Philippine event overlaps with week two of the Australian Open. WTA rules allow players ranked No. 21 or lower to compete in a WTA 125 event during that stage of a Grand Slam or mandatory WTA 1000 tournament. Players ranked No. 11 to No. 20 at the main-draw entry deadline cannot enter through the regular process, but a maximum of two can compete through wildcards. Eala is currently world No. 19.
Tiangco said PHILTA wanted to expand international playing opportunities for local players and develop tennis in the Philippines. Beyond the January competition, the country is also due to host a WTA 250 tournament in November 2027.
