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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Pinay prodigy Alex Eala continues rise in tennis world  

Pinay prodigy Alex Eala continues rise in tennis world  

Published Mar 15, 2023 04:59 pm
Empowerment is a word closely associated with strength that is ignited by one's sheer will and unrivaled determination. In a world that is dominated by those who take bold steps, Alex Eala radiates with such confidence, grit, and charm to become the Filipina athlete that is being admired today.

*Alex Eala discovered tennis when she was 4 years old. (Photo from Alex Eala's Facebook page)*


Running in the blood

Raised by her mother Rizza, who was a 1985 Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist in 100-meter backstroke, supported by his father Mike, and with the influence of her uncle, former Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Noli Eala, the young phenom would gradually fall in love with the sport. Her older brother, Miko, is also a tennis player and had his hand in sharpening Alex's skill since they were small children. Eala then joined the 2018 Les Petit As tournament in France, and immediately turned heads after topping the competition when she was 12 years old. Soon after, she moved to Spain and enrolled at the Rafa Nadal Academy and has been testing her wits against fellow scholars.

Under New York lights

*Alex Eala's crowning moment at the US Open juniors tournament. (AFP)*


Eala delivered a shining moment to remember in 2022 after capturing the 142nd US Open juniors girls' singles title in New York. In the finals, the pretty lass displayed crisp shotmaking to dominate Czech rival Lucie Havlickova, 6-2, 6-4, and earn herself the distinction as the first Filipina player in history to win a juniors singles grand slam crown. It was a coronation that was savored by millions of fans, celebrated by government officials, and served as a rallying point for aspiring tennis players who wish to be their own version of Eala. The victory in Flushing Meadows was also the talk of the town—mostly the enthusiasts, some the curious ones—that this tiny nation from the east, all crazy about boxing and basketball, is being represented in a sport that is the battleground of American and European superpowers. The singles crown was also a strong statement for the left-handed prodigy after proving herself well in the amateur doubles circuit. Before her exploits in the US Open, Eala was a winner in the 2019 Australian Open and 2021 French Open in the doubles competition.

Turning pro

Eala has now shifted her focus to further improve her ranking in the professional scene. She sits at No. 220 in the Women's Tennis Association, and has been travelling the world to join sanctioned tournaments to earn valuable points and, more importantly, the exposure and experience against tried and tested netters. So far, the teenager has two pro titles, one in Manacor and another in Chiang Rai. Just recently, Eala and Lithuanian partner Justine Mikulskyte reached the semifinals of the W60 Trnava 2nd Empire Women's Indoor Tennis Tournament in Slovakia but yielded to British top seeds Alicia Barnett and Olivia Nicholls, 6-4, 6-1. In singles, she bowed to another British contender, Sonay Kortal, 6-2, 6-2, in the second round of the same tilt.

Mission is far from over

Moving forward, Eala, the highest ranked Southeast Asian player, dreams of becoming the world No. 1 player someday. It could be recalled that Naomi Osaka, the Japanese star who sent shockwaves after defeating tennis great Serena Williams in the 2018 US Open finals, owned the top ranking for an impressive stretch that also netted her three more grand slam titles along the way. She has also pinned her target at qualifying for the Paris Olympics and win a medal for the Philippines.

A win for Pinay athletes

*Alex Eala is a strong southpaw. (Photo from Alex Eala's Facebook page)*

Through these years, Eala has proven that she deserves the attention and admiration for the hard work she has been pouring to hone her craft. Along with the list of notable athletes Hidilyn Diaz, Yuka Saso, the Philippine national women's football team, and all the sporting greats of the past, these empowered women stood up to inspire and shape the world. It is only a matter of time that the country will discover the next Eala, Diaz, or Saso.

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