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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Alex Eala strives for greatness in ultra-competitive tennis world

Alex Eala strives for greatness in ultra-competitive tennis world

Published Jan 29, 2026 03:52 pm

At A Glance

  • Alex Eala knows she needs tons of patience in her pursuit of becoming the best.
Alex Eala (PWO)
Alex Eala (PWO)
Greatness is forged in the quiet, boring moments: the daily routines, the repetition, and the commitment to show up even when motivation fades.
Alex Eala knows she needs tons of patience in her pursuit of becoming the best.
The one-time WTA 125 champion believes there's a lot of work to do.
“I think, well, consistency is something difficult when you're on tour and you're facing so many of these players,” said Eala after her 6-4, 6-0 round-of-16 win triumph over Japan’s Himeno Sakatsume to book her quarterfinals ticket in the WTA 125 Philippine Women's Open Wednesday evening, Jan. 28.‎
“And I think you definitely have moments where I would say you're playing better. I think that's what makes the greats so great is that they're able to show up time and time again,” added the 20-year-old sensation.
But for her, the challenge is far from daunting as the WTA No. 49 continues to strive for excellence.
“And I'm learning how to do that. I'm definitely doing my best to maneuver. Every situation, because every day you wake up and there's something different,” Eala continued.
“Yeah, so like I said, that's what makes the greats great and I'm trying to figure out how to achieve that also,” she added.
The charming 5-foot-9 lefty looks to add another feather in her glowing cap as she enters the quarters as the lone Filipina bet remaining in the maiden PH Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila later Thursday.
There, the No. 2 seed Eala tangles with No. 5 seedColombian Camila Osorio for the first time in WTA Tour.
Outside distraction a big no for Eala
Eala’s discipline extends beyond the court, as she vows to safeguard her health in every facet of her well-being.
And as a public figure, the rising star is mindful of who she listens to, her team, and appreciates the positives and respects the negative opinions from the public.
“And I really appreciate the support, the positivity and you're entitled to your own opinion, even if it's negative about me. My approach to it is that I have my team and they will definitely tell me if there's criticism or they will definitely provide me with constructive criticism,” said Eala.
“They work in my best interest. They also give me positive feedback. So that's, of course, along with my own opinion and the opinion of my team is what I prioritize,” she added. “They definitely give me two sides and I know that they have my best interest at heart.”
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