LIVE: Alex Eala at Eastbourne Open final vs Maya Joint MANILA, Philippines — Struggling to fight off her tears, Alex Eala still flashed a smile as she received her Lexus Eastbourne Open runner-up trophy after a heartbreaking loss to Australia’s rising star Maya Joint in a grueling final.

Alex Eala took to Instagram to share snaps with her WTA trophy, writing, "This has to be one of the toughest losses of my early career, but I firmly believe that it’s these moments that make you stronger and shape your character.

AFTER falling just short of a historic WTA title, Alex Eala poured her heart out and, her voice trembling, she vowed to “work even harder” for the Philippines.