"An honour of a lifetime" - Philippines history-maker Alexandra Eala rewarded with stunning campaign by carrying flag ahead of Southeast Asian Games

Alexandra Eala has described carrying her nation's flag 'an honour of a lifetime' after she held the Philippines flag for the opening ceremony of the 33rd annual Southeast Asian Games.

The event is set to take place from December 9-20 as some of the best sports talents are set to put on a show in Bangkok, Thailand. The Opening Ceremony took place on Tuesday with Eala the centre of attention at the Rajamangala Stadium. She walked out holding the flag alongside volleyball player Bryan Bagunas as they proudly represented the Philippines.

On Instagram, Eala stated the prestige this honour bestowed upon her. "An honour of a lifetime. Thank you very much for the trust and for the opportunity to carry the name of our beloved town. Long live Filipino athletes!"

Eala will be looking to add to the medals earned from her maiden appearance in the Southeast Asian Games back in the 2021 version - held in 2022. She won a trio of bronze medals across singles, mixed doubles and the women's team event in a very commendable display from the then 16-year-old.

Throughout the whole of 2025 Eala has constantly been making progress up the rankings. Her achievements have already cemented her in Philippines sporting history. Her immense talent has been showcased on the world stage as she tasted success while defeated the best in a breakthrough 2025 campaign.

She catapulted herself into the mainstream after an outstanding but unexpected Miami Open. Entered as a wildcard, she defeated Grand Slam champions for fun in Florida. This included Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and six-time major champion Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals in a phenomenal display. She had the chance to become the first Filippino to make a WTA tennis final but was prevented by eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula.

This achievement would soon occur, however. After qualifying for the Eastbourne Open, she fended off the competition to find herself in an incredible final. She had the golden opportunity to make more history for her country and become the first Filippino to win a WTA title, and after a closely contested match against Maya Joint went the distance, she created a total of four match points. None of these were taken and Joint clinched the title in a heartbreaking moment for the youngster.

This title would eventually come in the WTA 125 event in Guadalajara as Eala's progress continued. She culminated the year as the world number 52 after breaking into the top 50 for the first time. She will be looking to continue her fabulous progress up the rankings into 2026. Her preparation has seen her step onto the court with 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal for a rally. Right after the Southeast Asian Games conclude on December 20, Eala will turn all her attention towards the next campaign. She will begin it at the ASB Classic in Auckland which runs from January 5-11. Following this will be a return to the Australian Open, lasting from January 18 - February 1.