**Alex Eala Returns to Portugal as Top Seed in WTA 125 Oeiras Ladies Open**
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is back in Portugal for the WTA 125 Oeiras Ladies Open, looking to build momentum ahead of the Madrid Open next week. As the top seed in this year’s edition, Eala enters the tournament with high expectations and renewed determination to improve on her previous performance.
The tournament serves as a crucial warm-up for the higher-tier Madrid Open, offering Eala a valuable opportunity to get comfortable on clay, find her rhythm, and test her skills against solid competition. Although the draw has not yet been released, the 18-year-old’s seeding suggests she will enjoy a favorable position as the event kicks off.
This marks Eala’s second consecutive appearance at the Oeiras Ladies Open. Last year, she experienced a disappointing early exit, falling in the Round of 32 to Russia’s Ekaterina Avdeeva in a tight three-set battle, 6-2, 4-6, 4-6. The loss came after a promising start and highlighted areas of her game that needed improvement—particularly consistency and endurance on clay.
Over the past year, Eala has made significant strides in her development. She has sharpened her baseline game, improved her movement, and worked on staying mentally focused in long matches. Her recent performances in other events have shown greater maturity and resilience, qualities she will need to draw on as she returns to Oeiras with unfinished business.
Being the top seed brings both opportunity and pressure. Expectations will be high, not only from fans and media but also from Eala herself. The tournament presents a chance for her to gain crucial ranking points, fine-tune her game, and enter Madrid with confidence.
Portugal’s Oeiras Ladies Open is known for its competitive field and challenging conditions. Clay courts demand patience, footwork, and tactical variety—all areas Eala has been working on. Her team views this event as a key stepping stone, offering ideal preparation for the bigger stage in Madrid.
Despite her youth, Eala has consistently shown that she belongs on the pro tour. From her Grand Slam junior titles to her recent breakthroughs on the ITF and WTA circuits, she continues to evolve with each tournament. This week in Portugal gives her a chance not just to avenge her previous loss, but to demonstrate how much she’s grown since then.
Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the top-seeded Eala performs once the draw is released. A deep run in Oeiras could set the tone for a strong clay court season and elevate her confidence heading into one of the biggest tournaments of the year.
For now, all eyes are on Portugal, where Alex Eala is ready to turn the page on last year’s disappointment and write a new chapter in her journey on the WTA tour.