Tatler Philippines set to bring Alex Eala home for a historic exhibition

Tatler Group CEO & Chairman Michel Lamunière alongside Tatler Philippines Managing Director Irene Francisco

Whilst Alexandra Eala is busy in Flushing Meadows for the US Open, she is slated to make a historic homecoming at the end of the year.

This coming December 8, the Filipina will be the centerpiece of a special event on December 8 at the Philippine Arena. Called Alex Eala Live: Game. Set. Celebrate, it is an opportunity for Filipino fans to watch her play in what might be the biggest celebration of tennis in the country, with organizers seeking to set a new attendance record for a tennis match.

The current record is at 51,954 when Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal faced off in Cape Town, South Africa back in 2020.

In making the announcement, Tatler Group Chairman and CEO Michel Lamunière shares, "We want to create the biggest tennis celebration the Philippines has ever seen." He adds, "We chose the Philippine Arena because we want as many Filipinos as possible to experience Alex’s homecoming together. And if more than 52,000 of us come together, the Philippines could make tennis history. But the record is not the reason for this event. Alex is."

To break this feat, Eala will be facing off in an exhibition against Janice Tjen, currently ranked 36th in the world, and a matchup between two of Southeast Asia's biggest talents.

She shares about this event, "Every time I play abroad, I carry the Philippines with me. To come home and play in front of our fans will be incredibly special. I want this to be a day where we celebrate our love for tennis, our culture and the young players who will take the sport forward. And if all of us come together, maybe we can make a little history too."

For most Filipino fans, the closest that they would be able to watch Alex play is either watching her on screens or traveling to where she is competing. AEL:GSC addresses this by having her come here, which is a rare opportunity given her busy schedule, which currently includes the WTA's Asian swing and the upcoming Asian Games, which she has committed to play in singles and doubles in a quest for a medal for the Philippines.

At the same time, the event hopes to inspire more Filipinos to take up the sport after seeing world-class tennis up close, something last seen on a global level here with the WTA125 Philippine Open, which is set to return early next year. 

Tatler Philippines Managing Director Irene Francisco shares, "Tatler Philippines has celebrated exceptional Filipino talent and achievement for more than two decades. Alex has given Filipinos so many reasons to be proud. Bringing her home gives us the opportunity to celebrate her achievements with the people who have supported her journey, while inspiring young Filipinos who may one day follow in her footsteps."

Complementing the Eala-Tjen exhibition are additional activations are to be set in place, including live entertainment, fan experiences, and tennis matches involving celebrities and rising Filipino tennisters.

Organizers are seeking to make this event as accessible as possible. Tickets will be priced for as low as PhP 600, allowing for Filipinos of all ages the chance to experience top-tier tennis LIVE.

Pre-Sale registration has already started until September 6 via TicketWorld, with Pre-Sale purchases starting at noon on September 7 until September 13 for those who avail of the opportunity.

General sales will then commence on September 14.