Metro Manila, Philippines – Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala claimed her inaugural Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) championship after a hard-fought victory over Hungary’s Panna Udvardy in the final of the Guadalajara 125 Open on Sunday, September 7 (Manila time) in Mexico.

The 20-year-old, currently ranked 75th globally and the tournament’s last remaining seeded player, displayed resilience and determination to overcome Udvardy with a 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 win. This triumph marked a satisfying reversal for Eala, who had previously fallen to the world No. 134 Udvardy earlier this year during the Round of 16 at the Oeiras Ladies Open in April.

This win represents Eala’s second appearance in a WTA final this year. She finished as runner-up at the Eastbourne Open in the United Kingdom in June, where she narrowly lost to Australia’s Maya Joint.

The WTA 125 tournament tier is recognized as the second-highest level in women’s professional tennis, ranking just below the main WTA Tour events that include the Grand Slams, WTA Finals, and WTA 1000, 500, and 250 tournaments, but above the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour.

Eala’s landmark victory not only signifies a major breakthrough in her career but also highlights her potential to ascend the ranks of the sport internationally.