ROUND OF 16 ORDER OF PLAY IS HERE: Gates Open at 10 AM Wednesday for the First Match at 11 AM — Alex Eala vs Himeno Sakatsume Not Before 6 PM

The Philippine Women’s Open is heating up, and Wednesday promises a full day of high-stakes tennis as the Round of 16 order of play is officially locked in. With the gates opening at 10:00 AM and the first ball struck at 11:00 AM, fans are in for wall-to-wall action from some of the region’s most exciting talents. But all eyes will be on one match in particular: Filipina star Alex Eala facing Japan’s Himeno Sakatsume, scheduled for not before 6:00 PM.

Eala, the pride of Philippine tennis, has been steadily building momentum on home soil. Every time she steps onto the court, the atmosphere shifts. The crowd gets louder, the energy gets sharper, and the pressure ramps up—for both players. For Alex, this isn’t just another match. It’s a chance to make a statement in front of her home fans and continue her push toward the latter stages of the tournament.

Across the net will be Himeno Sakatsume, a tough and tactical competitor from Japan known for her consistency and court intelligence. Sakatsume doesn’t give away easy points. She makes opponents work for every game, every rally, every break. That sets the stage for a fascinating contrast in styles: Eala’s aggressive shot-making and athleticism versus Sakatsume’s discipline and rhythm.

The “not before 6 PM” slot is prime time—and that matters. By then, the stands are fuller, the lights are brighter, and the tension is thicker. It’s the kind of stage where stars either rise or feel the weight of expectation. For Eala, that pressure often turns into fuel. She thrives on the noise, the cheers, and the sense that she’s carrying a nation’s hopes with her.

But make no mistake: this Round of 16 clash is no formality. One slip, one slow start, one bad service game could tilt the balance. In a tournament this competitive, there are no easy paths—only earned victories.

Wednesday’s order of play sets the tone for a dramatic day at the Philippine Women’s Open. From the first match at 11 AM to the evening showdown featuring Alex Eala, every point will matter, every set will shape the story of the tournament.

So if you’re heading to the venue, get there early. If you’re following from afar, clear your schedule for the evening. Because when Alex Eala walks out at not before 6 PM, it won’t just be a tennis match—it’ll be a moment. And moments like that are why fans fall in love with the game. 🎾