Alex Eala And Donna Vekic Advance At Philippine Women’s Open

The Philippine Women’s Open is heating up in Manila, and tennis fans are getting exactly what they hoped for—thrilling matches, rising stars, and a few surprises to keep everyone guessing. As the tournament unfolds at the iconic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Tennis Center, all eyes are on local favorite Alex Eala and Croatian standout Donna Vekic, both of whom have powered their way into the quarterfinals with commanding performances. The event, running from January 26 to 31, 2026, has quickly become the talk of the tennis world, with the promise of even more fireworks as the week progresses.

Let’s start with the homegrown hero. Alexandra “Alex” Eala has been nothing short of sensational on home soil. In the Round of 32, Eala faced Russia’s Alina Charaeva and wasted no time asserting her dominance, dispatching her opponent 6-1, 6-2. The crowd roared with every point, sensing that Eala was in top form and ready to make a deep run. If that performance wasn’t enough to raise expectations, her next match certainly did the trick. In the Round of 16, Eala took on Himeno Sakatsume of Japan. The first set was competitive, but Eala’s relentless baseline play and pinpoint accuracy saw her pull away, closing out the match 6-4, 6-0. It was a statement win, and one that sent a clear message to the rest of the field: Eala is here to win.

Eala’s reward for her efforts? A highly anticipated quarterfinal clash with Colombia’s Camila Osorio, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29. With the matches on Centre Court kicking off at 2:00 p.m., fans are eager to see if the Filipino sensation can continue her winning streak against a seasoned international opponent. The energy in the capital is palpable, and tickets for the evening session are in high demand. “It feels amazing to play in front of my home crowd,” Eala said in a previous interview. “Their support gives me extra motivation every time I step on the court.”

But Eala isn’t the only player lighting up Manila’s courts. Donna Vekic, the Croatian ace, has made an immediate impact in her Philippine Women’s Open debut. Vekic entered the tournament with plenty of buzz, and she wasted no time living up to the hype. In her opening match in the Round of 32, Vekic faced Japan’s Kyoka Okamura. The result? A clinical 6-2, 6-2 victory that showcased Vekic’s powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes. According to tournament coverage, “Vekic’s strong performance highlights her readiness for upcoming challenges in the tournament.”

Vekic’s smooth progress didn’t end there. On January 28, she squared off against Mariia Tkacheva in a match that had fans on the edge of their seats. Vekic knocked out Tkacheva to advance to the quarterfinals, cementing her status as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. While the exact scoreline wasn’t detailed in the available reports, what’s clear is that Vekic’s game is firing on all cylinders at just the right time. Her next test comes against China’s Lin Zhu, with their Centre Court showdown also set for January 29. If Vekic can maintain her form, she could set up a blockbuster semifinal—possibly against Eala, should both players advance.

The Philippine Women’s Open isn’t just about the singles draw, though. Doubles action has also captured the imagination of local fans, with matches featuring international pairings and plenty of drama. Court 1 has been buzzing with competitive doubles encounters, including teams from the United States, Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand. The tournament’s diverse field underscores its growing reputation as a premier stop on the women’s tennis circuit in Southeast Asia.

For Eala, the stakes are particularly high. The 20-year-old has long been touted as the future of Philippine tennis, and her results in Manila are only adding fuel to that fire. With a game built on speed, intelligence, and a never-say-die attitude, Eala has captured the imagination of fans young and old. Her journey through the draw has been marked by composure under pressure and a knack for raising her level at crucial moments. “I try to focus on my game and not let the occasion get to me,” Eala said earlier this year. “Every match is a new challenge.”

Vekic, meanwhile, brings a wealth of experience to the table. The Croatian has competed at the highest levels of the sport, and her arrival in Manila has added an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament. Her ability to dictate play with her serve and forehand makes her a tough out for anyone in the field. “Donna Vekic had an impressive debut at the Philippine Women’s Open,” as one highlight reel put it, and her continued success could set up some tantalizing matchups as the tournament heads toward its climax.

The schedule for January 29 promises wall-to-wall action, with Centre Court hosting a slate of high-stakes matches. In addition to Vekic vs Lin Zhu and Eala vs Osorio, fans can catch Tatiana Prozorova facing Sofia Costoulas, and Lanlana Tararudee taking on Solana Sierra. With every match carrying implications for the title, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow.

Beyond the on-court drama, the Philippine Women’s Open is also a celebration of the sport’s growth in the region. The tournament’s success has been buoyed by strong attendance, enthusiastic local support, and the participation of top international talent. ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ leading media and entertainment company, has played a pivotal role in bringing the action to fans across the country, ensuring that tennis remains front and center in the national conversation.

As the quarterfinals approach, anticipation is at a fever pitch. Will Alex Eala continue her march toward a home-soil triumph? Can Donna Vekic ride her momentum all the way to the final? Or will an underdog emerge to steal the spotlight? With so much talent on display and the stakes only getting higher, one thing’s for sure: the Philippine Women’s Open is delivering the kind of tennis that keeps fans coming back for more.

With the tournament still unfolding, all eyes remain glued to the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. The next chapter in this gripping story is about to be written, and Manila’s tennis faithful wouldn’t have it any other way.