In the cut-throat world of pro tennis, the biggest scandal of 2025 has just blown wide open: Filipino rising star Alexandra Eala fell violently ill right before the WTA Finals. Coach Joan Bosch has dropped a bombshell, claiming “Eala was poisoned by an unexpected opponent” – and the tennis world is reeling.
Just 24 hours before her shock 6-4, 7-5 loss to Victoria Mboko at the 2025 Hong Kong Open, Eala pulled out of a press conference with a 40°C fever. She was shaking, too weak to stand. Bosch, who’s mentored her since her teens, finally broke his silence: “I can’t stay quiet any longer!”
On the *Tennis Insider* podcast, Bosch revealed Eala drank a gifted energy drink from a “trusted” figure in the sport. Private medical tests found traces of a chemical toxin capable of temporary paralysis. “It wasn’t an accident. Someone wanted her out of the WTA Finals race,” he stressed.
The fallout was swift. On 1 November 2025, the WTA suspended the Finals pending investigation. Eala was rushed to a Hong Kong hospital, where doctors confirmed mild poisoning – enough to wreck her stamina. She tweeted: “Thanks for the love. I’ll come back stronger.” 
Who is the “unexpected rival” Bosch hinted at? Suspicion now points to a fellow Filipina player who’s been fighting Eala for the same WTA Finals spot. Insiders say bad blood dates back to the 2024 Asian Games. Bosch won’t name names but added: “It’s someone she trusted completely.”
The tennis community erupted. Roger Federer tweeted: “Sport must be fair. Protect our young athletes!” Serena Williams called it “the darkest shock in women’s tennis.” Mboko, who beat Eala, denied any involvement: “I only play fair.”
The 2025 WTA Finals, set to kick off in Shanghai on 5 November, now hangs in the balance. Top guns Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka voiced safety fears. Organisers have ramped up drink checks and security, offering a $100,000 reward for tips leading to the culprit.
At just 20, Eala had stormed into the WTA top 30 with wins in Acapulco and an Indian Wells semi-final. But this scandal could derail her career. Bosch revealed: “She dropped 5 kg in 48 hours. The toxin targeted her nervous system.” 
Hong Kong police launched a probe centred on the mystery bottle, which carried unknown fingerprints. DNA results are due 3 November. If intentional poisoning is proven, the perpetrator could face criminal charges and a lifetime ban from the sport.
The scandal has rocked the Philippines. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned the act: “We’re proud of Eala and will protect our own.” Fans launched #JusticeForEala, racking up 2 million shares on X. Tennis Philippines now faces an internal trust crisis.
While the truth unfolds, Eala is recovering in Manila. Bosch shared her comeback plan: “She’ll return at the 2026 Australian Open with steel in her spine.” This isn’t just personal tragedy – it’s a wake-up call for the WTA on player safety.
The “Eala poisoned” saga is dominating Google Trends, with searches for “Alexandra Eala poisoned” spiking 500%. Is this a grand conspiracy or petty jealousy? The tennis world is glued to every update, waiting for the next explosive chapter.
