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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Alex Eala: Superstar in the making

Alex Eala: Superstar in the making

Published Jun 29, 2025 11:43 am

At A Glance

  • Alex Eala is simply ripe for success.
Alexandra Eala of the Philippines with the runners up trophy after the Women's singles Final during day six of the Eastbourne Open at Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club, Eastbourne, England, Saturday June 28, 2025. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
Alexandra Eala of the Philippines with the runners up trophy after the Women's singles Final during day six of the Eastbourne Open at Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club, Eastbourne, England, Saturday June 28, 2025. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)
Alex Eala is simply ripe for success.
With tears streaming down her face, the Filipina ace just couldn't control her emotions during the awarding ceremony where she accepted the runner-up trophy of the Lexus Eastbourne Open Saturday night, June 28.
Eala fought well and had her chances to defeat her equally young and talented opponent, the 19-year-old Maya Joint of Australia.
She was even one point away from winning her first WTA singles title during tiebreak, four of those opportunities she failed to take advantage of as her rival showed much resilience and composure in the face of great trouble.
In the end of the exciting battle, Joint was triumphant, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (10). Eala, showered with praise after a gallant fight, crumbled at her bench.
But the 20-year-old knew her time would come.
“It’s a big deal for me, for my country, it’s historic, because it's the first time [that] any Filipina has done anything [like this before],” said Eala.
“I guess that's also why I'm so emotional, it's only the first, [but] I'll definitely work hard to do more [and] Wimbledon is next week so hopefully I'll forget about this much sooner, added Eala, who is now No. 56 in WTA live rankings.
Trained by Rafa Nadal Academy coaches, Eala could soon see her moment at the middle, hoisting the trophy for the nation that also went all out to support the young star in her journey.
For now, it's the imposing Wimbledon task she's facing.

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