In 2026, Alex Eala captured attention in women’s tennis, showcasing her skills and confidence. As she heads into the Singapore Open, she carries a newfound sense of self-assurance and recognition, ready to make her mark on the tournament.
This week, she received encouraging news as a shakeup in the tournament field created a more favorable path for her. With this change, the Filipina star now has a noticeably easier route to potentially reach the later rounds of the draw.
Pegula’s withdrawal boosts Eala’s seeding
World No. 3 Jessica Pegula pulled out of the Singapore Open this week. She cited a physically demanding stretch at the US Open, where her run ended in the semifinals against Aryna Sabalenka.
Pegula announced her withdrawal on Instagram. She said she was disappointed but not quite ready to compete at the level she expects from herself.
Her exit reshaped the tournament lineup. Tour officials listed the Filipina star among the remaining top-20 players, and the 28-player singles draw gives first-round byes to the top four seeds.
A historic title in Washington
Eala’s rise did not start in Singapore this month. In August, she won the Mubadala DC Open, beating Jessica Pegula in a rain-delayed final that stretched into the next day in Washington.
Eala’s historic Washington win lifted Philippine tennis, as she became the first player from the country to claim a WTA Tour-level singles title, adding a major milestone to her breakthrough 2026 season.
The comeback itself was dramatic. Eala dropped the opening set, then fought back to beat Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, closing the final with a dominant third set.
From Rafa Nadal Academy to rankings
Eala moved to Spain at 13 to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca. The academy has remained central to her development as she climbed from junior promise to WTA standout.
Her rise up the rankings has been steep. She began the 2025 season outside the top 100, then broke into the WTA top 100 after her Miami run.
Now, Eala is ranked No. 18 by the WTA. That climb reflects years of training far from home and a breakout stretch that made her one of the most closely watched players from Southeast Asia.
Little-known fact: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally honored Eala at Malacañang in July 2026, where she received a Presidential Citation after her historic Wimbledon run.
What the higher seed means
A higher seed can matter in a 28-player draw like the one in Singapore. WTA says the top four seeds receive byes into the second round, giving those players one fewer early match.
That extra rest can help during a packed tournament week. Fewer matches early on may leave a player fresher for tougher opponents later in the draw.
It also reflects how far her ranking has climbed. She is now listed at No. 18 by the women’s tour, placing her firmly among the top-20 names in the Singapore draw.
Tough rivals still wait in Singapore
Even with Pegula gone, Eala’s path through the Singapore draw will not be easy. World No. 5 Mirra Andreeva, the Roland Garros champion, headlines the field as the new top seed.
Amanda Anisimova also enters as one of the tournament’s top names. The women’s tour lists her among the top-20 players joining Andreeva, the Philippine standout and defending champion Elise Mertens.
Mertens returns after winning the 2025 Singapore title, while Barbora Krejcikova and Maria Sakkari are also listed in the draw. The field remains strong despite several notable withdrawals.
Easy viewing for Filipino fans
Singapore and Manila share the same time zone, making it easier for Filipino fans to follow Eala’s matches live. They can watch during normal local hours instead of waking up for awkward overseas start times.
The tournament runs from Sept. 21-27 at OCBC Arena in Kallang. Qualifying rounds are scheduled for Sept. 19-20, with free admission for fans.
Ticket prices vary depending on seat type and session. Organizers have advertised concession options and premium packages, giving fans several ways to attend the WTA 500 event.
Asian Games decision still looming
Singapore is not Eala’s only major stop on the calendar. The Philippines Tennis Association has requested a tour exemption so she can represent the country at the Asian Games in Japan.
That plan clashes with the China Open, a mandatory WTA 1000 tournament that starts in Beijing on Sept. 30. Reuters reported that skipping a mandatory WTA 1000 event without an exemption can bring a ranking penalty and may lead to fines.
Philippine officials said the 20-year-old has decided to compete at the continental event regardless of the tour’s decision. The situation shows the tension between national-team duty and tour obligations.
Why this season feels different
Every part of the 2026 season has pushed Eala further than most people ever expected. Grand Slam wins, a maiden title, and now a favorable seed all point toward one clear story.
She is no longer an underdog simply hoping for a favorable and forgiving draw each time out. Opponents now study her game closely, well aware that Eala can beat almost anyone on any given day.
Singapore offers her a real chance to prove that Washington was not just a passing fluke of good fortune. A strong run at home in Southeast Asia would only add to her breakout year overall.
TL;DR
- Jessica Pegula withdrew from the 2026 Singapore Open after a physically demanding US Open stretch.
- The withdrawal reshaped the field, where the top four seeds receive first-round byes.
- Eala won her first WTA title at the Mubadala DC Open in August, beating Pegula in the final.
- Mirra Andreeva, Amanda Anisimova, Elise Mertens, Barbora Krejcikova and Maria Sakkari remain notable names in Singapore.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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