Alexandra Eala reflects on ‘full circle’ career moment as she returns to action again after the US Open

Alexandra Eala is excited to return to action from the US Open at the Singapore Open, where she is feeling right at home.

Eala has a favorable draw in Singapore, where she is the third seed and is chasing her second WTA title of the 2026 season. Eala is feeling healthy ahead of her opening match, which arrives against the winner of Tatiana Prozorova versus Sofia Costoulas in the second round, following her first round bye.

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It represents a first match for Eala since losing to Iva Jovic in the third round of the US Open. The Filipina star has now arrived in Singapore for the WTA 500 tournament, at which she is set to enjoy a "full circle" moment in her exciting career so far.

Alexandra Eala reflects on 'full circle' moment at the Singapore Open

Speaking to the media in Singapore, the 21-year-old commented: "It's such a good feeling to have that familiar cultural aspect, even down to the weather. It is very similar to home, so I feel really at home here."

And looking back on the last time she played at the event, where she had to qualify, to returning as a top seed, she said: "It has been an amazing year and a half. I am grateful for everything that has happened to me since then. I am grateful for the growth. So I guess it is quite the full circle moment."

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She fell in the second round of qualifying last time out, but is now the third seed at the tournament that has just been upgraded from a WTA 250 to a WTA 500, and has been pushed back in the calendar.

Eala also shared what she likes about Singapore, saying: "I have had so many memories of competing here in Singapore. I have been competing here ever since I was eight. I have come back a lot because it is in the region and it has been a hub for tennis and competitive tennis. To be back here for competition at this level is really nice to see and, like I said, full circle because I have been coming here for such a long time."

And comparing the event to other WTA 500 tournaments, she noted: "It is definitely up there. I might be biased as we are in Southeast Asia and I do love that but they have just been so welcoming and so nice and so hospitable, I am really happy to be back."

READ MORE: Leylah Fernandez praises 'amazing' Alexandra Eala and shares what she's really like off court

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It marks the start of a busy period for the Filipina ace, who will afterwards head to Nagoya in Japan for the Asian Games. Eala will then take on the Wuhan Open in China, but she also has another event outside the WTA Tour to look forward to.

Scheduled for December, she is set to headline the 'Alex Eala Live: Game. Set. Celebrate' exhibition, which also includes compatriot Manny Pacquiao. Sharing her thoughts on the exhibition, she said: "I am so excited for that. Every opportunity I can get to play at home is so welcome. I am so excited for it." The Philippine Arena will play host, where Eala will take on Indonesia number one Janice Tjen.

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