Five Things to Know About Alex Eala’s Match Today

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala continues to make waves on the international stage as she competes at the Suzhou Open, a WTA 125 event in China. Fresh from a dramatic opening win, the 19-year-old is set for another tough battle, this time against seasoned Belgian player Greet Minnen. Here are five things fans should know about her match today:

1. Eala advanced after a thrilling three-set win
In her opening match, Eala showed grit and determination by outlasting Katarzyna Kawa in a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory. The clash lasted over two hours and tested her endurance, with both players trading momentum swings until Eala secured the decisive break in the final set. This hard-fought win highlighted her resilience, a trait that has defined much of her young career.

2. Weather interruptions added to the drama
The Round of 32 battle was not only mentally and physically demanding, but it was also disrupted by the elements. Rain halted play when the first set was tied at 2-2, forcing both players to regroup after a suspension. Such interruptions can unsettle even experienced athletes, but Eala managed to regain focus and come out on top once play resumed.

3. She enters as the fourth seed
Eala’s rising status in the tennis world is reflected in her seeding at Suzhou. As the No. 4 seed, she carries both pressure and confidence into each match. A seeded spot not only shows how far she has come in terms of ranking but also positions her as one of the tournament’s key contenders.

4. Greet Minnen brings experience and momentum
Eala’s opponent in the Round of 16 is Belgium’s Greet Minnen, a 28-year-old veteran known for her strong baseline game. Minnen booked her place in this round after a commanding 6-4, 6-0 win over China’s Shi Han. With her years on tour and consistent play, Minnen poses a significant challenge for the young Filipina. This match will test Eala’s ability to adapt to an opponent with a contrasting style and far more experience on the professional circuit.

5. A pivotal moment in Eala’s breakout season
2025 has been a breakthrough year for Eala. Earlier this season, she cracked the WTA Top 100, a milestone long awaited by Filipino tennis fans. She also reached the semifinals at Jingshan last week, proving she can consistently perform deep in tournaments. Another strong run in Suzhou will add valuable ranking points and further cement her reputation as one of the brightest rising stars in women’s tennis.

As Eala takes the court today, the stakes are high—not just for her progress in this tournament, but for her journey toward becoming a regular fixture at the sport’s biggest stages.