Louie Sison
Alexandra Maniego Eala, or simply Alex Eala, is not just a name that rings a bell in Philippine sports — she represents the new generation of Filipino athletes making waves on the global stage. Born on May 23, 2005, in Quezon City, Alexandra Eala has rapidly risen through the ranks of international tennis, earning respect, admiration, and a growing fanbase both at home and abroad. Her journey is not just a tale of talent, but one of determination, discipline, and the dream of putting Philippine tennis in the international spotlight.
Early Life and Background
Alex Eala was introduced to tennis at a very young age. Coming from a sports-oriented family, she was naturally drawn to the game. Her mother, Rizza Maniego-Eala, was a former national swimmer and currently serves as an executive at Globe Telecom. With strong support from her family, Alex’s potential was nurtured early. At age 8, she was already competing in international tournaments.
Her talent quickly caught attention, and by age 12, she was accepted into the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain. This was a significant turning point in her life — training at an elite academy founded by one of the greatest tennis players in history, Rafael Nadal, allowed her to grow her skills under world-class guidance. Moving to Spain also meant immersing herself in a highly competitive environment, where she could hone not only her technique but also her mental toughness and resilience.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Alex Eala’s career is marked by numerous milestones that are nothing short of impressive for someone her age. She began turning heads in the junior tennis scene early on. In 2020, she won the Australian Open Girls’ Doubles title with Indonesian partner Priska Madelyn Nugroho. This victory was historic — it marked the first Grand Slam title won by a Filipino in juniors since Francis Casey Alcantara in 2009.
In 2021, she continued to shine by clinching the French Open Girls’ Doubles title with Russian partner Oksana Selekhmeteva. These victories cemented her reputation as a promising force in women’s tennis.
But perhaps her most significant achievement to date came in September 2022, when Alex Eala won the US Open Girls’ Singles title. She defeated Lucie Havlickova of the Czech Republic in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4. What made this win particularly special was that it was the first-ever junior Grand Slam singles title won by a Filipino. Her composure, power, and precision on the court were evident throughout the match. More than the win itself, it was a breakthrough moment for Philippine tennis — Alex Eala had done what no Filipino had done before.
Transition to Professional Tennis
While she continues to participate in some junior events, Alexandra Eala has been gradually transitioning to the professional circuit. She has competed in various ITF (International Tennis Federation) tournaments and has already claimed multiple titles. Eala’s playing style is aggressive and consistent, marked by strong groundstrokes and strategic court awareness. She’s known for her left-handed play and powerful two-handed backhand, traits that often give her an edge over her opponents.
Her presence on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour is also growing. Though still young, she has notched victories against higher-ranked players and continues to climb in the rankings. Her goal is clear: to break into the top 100 of the WTA and eventually compete — and win — in Grand Slam events on the women’s main tour.
Impact and Legacy
What makes Alex Eala’s story so powerful is not just her personal success, but the inspiration she brings to Filipinos, especially young athletes. In a country where basketball and boxing dominate the sports scene, Eala has carved out a space for tennis. She has become a role model — proof that with talent, hard work, and the right opportunities, Filipinos can excel on the world stage in sports traditionally underrepresented in the country.
Eala is also vocal about her pride in being Filipino. After her US Open win, she dedicated her victory to the Philippines and always makes it a point to mention her roots during interviews and on social media. Her humility, poise, and maturity are qualities that endear her even more to fans.
Looking Ahead
At just 19 years old, Alexandra Eala’s journey is only beginning. With her talent and drive, there’s little doubt she will go far in the professional tennis world. Her eyes are set on more Grand Slam victories, Olympic appearances, and WTA titles. But beyond the trophies and rankings, her greatest achievement may well be how she’s inspiring a new wave of Filipino tennis players and showing the world that the Philippines can produce world-class athletes.
As she continues to break barriers and reach new heights, Alexandra Eala isn’t just playing for herself — she’s playing for an entire nation. And in doing so, she is not just chasing a dream, she is making history.
Featured image from facebook.com/AlexEala/
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