by: Nikita Xyzelle B. Pariña
Copyedited by: Jeyana Sophia Caparros
Publication by: Ysabel Tagon

Tennis isn’t a pastime—it’s a lineage. And Alex is the newest fire.

Raised by veterans whose victories shaped her earliest memories, Alex Eala, became the first Filipino to achieve the main draw of the Grand Slam events in the Open Era, ranking 56th in the world; the highest rank reached by a Pinoy tennis player.

At the age of 4, a tiny lefty with a paddle played tennis only with a curiosity in mind. This became an interest for her seeing her family as medalists in different sports. She then honed her skills under world-class mentorship at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain from age of 12.

Now at 20 years old, with every serve and spin, Alex isn’t simply keeping the tradition alive, she’s building on it. It’s her way of honoring the past, while writing a new chapter with her name on the scoreboard.

Her name started to echo in the field of tennis as a trailblazing player during the pandemic. Alex won the Australian Open girls’ double title at 14 and captured the French Open girls’ doubles title a year after. She won a junior Grand Slam singles title at the US Open in 2022.

Eala’s fame grew steadily through these achievements, but it was her giant-slaying run in Miami that truly made her a household name in international tennis.

In March 2025, Alex Eala electrified the tennis world with a breakthrough performance at the Miami Open. In a string of fearless victories, she toppled three Grand Slam champions, including World No. 2 Iga Świątek and No. 5 Madison Keys, to secure her place in the semifinals. It was a defining moment not only in her career but in Philippine sports history. As the first Filipino to reach the semifinal stage of a WTA 1000 event, her feat sparked pride across the archipelago and marked her transition from rising star to national icon.

Like every other young athlete, Alex struggles balancing her training and tournament schedule with education. She constantly clinches the bar to stay in stride with the world’s elite while nurturing her intellect beyond the court.

Playing with pride, Eala wears a custom ‘Sampaguita’ inspired hair tie especially made for her by Nike as a homage to the national flower of the Philippines.

“Ang sampaguita ay paalala ng aking pinanggalingan at ng kulturang lagi kong dala-dala,” Eala shared on Instagram.

Eala’s ‘Sampaguita’ hair tie becomes a quiet declaration of heritage, hope, and resilience. Match by match, she weaves Filipino pride into her presence, showing that ambition and culture blossom together, even in the tiniest, most thoughtful accessories.

The 20-year-old has been an inspiration for young players to continue striving as she dictates that there are lots of ‘diamonds in the rough’ in the sport she wishes to gain attention for Filipinos.

“I think that tennis in the Philippines has so much potential because even though it’s not as widespread as other sports, I feel like we have a lot of hidden talent. If we can have the support to back it up and the exposure to back it up, then I think Philippine tennis can be a big thing,” said Eala.

Eala’s Miami triumph adds another highlight to her career, the one she hopes will spark greater love for tennis across the Philippines.

“The only thing I can do to give back to my country is to help inspire change, positive change, and to inspire people to pick up a racket, to watch more tennis, watch more women’s tennis,” Eala added.

Alex Eala’s journey is a living testament to the grit and brilliance of the Filipino spirit. Her rise from backyard rallies to global courts reflects not just athletic excellence, but the courage to dream beyond boundaries. Every swing of her racket inspires young Filipinos to believe in their potential, showing that with determination, heritage, and heart, they too can carve their place on the world stage. Her story isn’t just about trophies, it’s about lighting the way for a generation that sees itself in her fire.