In a country where basketball dominate the sports scene, breaking through in tennis is no small feat. Yet, Alexandra “Alex” Eala has done just that—putting the Philippines on the global tennis map and proving that Filipinos can compete at the highest level.
Born in 2005, Alex comes from a family of athletes—her mother, Rizza Maniego-Eala, was a national swimmer. At just 12 years old, she earned a spot at the prestigious Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain, where she honed her skills and developed into a world-class competitor.
Her biggest achievements? Two junior Grand Slam doubles titles—the 2020 Australian Open and the 2021 French Open. But her most historic moment came in 2022 when she became the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title at the US Open. This victory solidified her status as a future star, showcasing her composure, resilience, and ability to handle high-pressure matches.
Most recently, Eala stunned the tennis world with a historic run at the 2025 Miami Open. Entering as a wildcard, she defied expectations by defeating three Grand Slam champions—an extraordinary achievement for a young underdog. With every hard-fought victory, she not only captivated fans worldwide but also skyrocketed from No. 140 to No. 75 in the WTA live rankings.
Though her Miami Open campaign has come to an end, the 19-year-old’s remarkable performance has undoubtedly elevated Philippine tennis to new heights. Carrying the dreams of an entire nation, Eala continues to break barriers, inspiring a new generation of Filipino athletes to believe that greatness is within reach.
With a bright future ahead, Alex Eala is not just representing herself—she is carrying the hopes of an entire nation and a whole generation to dream bigger, work harder, and believe that the world stage isn’t too far for those willing to fight for it.
