Alex Eala has enjoyed one of the most rapid ascensions in tennis history, having gone from a relative unknown to a global icon.
That is thanks mainly to her incredible fanbase, who come out to support her no matter the event and no matter the location.
Filipinos find a way, and this 20-year-old superstar has invigorated a newfound passion for tennis that had previously been unknown in the Philippines.
Speaking to the WTA earlier this week, Alexandra Eala was actually discussing the development of the sport in her home country since her emergence, pointing to the Philippines Women’s Open, held in January, as a key turning point that could drive genuine revolution.
Alex Eala recalls her experience playing tennis in the Philippines
Eala began by recounting her experience of being able to play a genuine WTA-level event in her homeland, albeit only a 125.
Alas, she insisted: “It was an incredible experience for me.
“It was quite an emotional experience as well, being at home. I guess the last time I’ve been able to compete and sleep in my own bed was way back when. It was very emotional just because for me to be able to influence this in some capacity means so much to me, just because growing up, there were never those opportunities locally. You’d always have to venture out and find it, also hence why I ventured out and found my opportunities when they arose.”
Will Alex Eala ever win a Grand Slam title?
Eala then explained the difference that an event like this can have on tennis in the Philippines, adding: “I think it’s a great platform or great stepping stone for the women, and athletes in general in the Philippines, just because they’re able to see the level first and they’re able to experience it.
“With the 125, who knows, maybe that event will keep growing. It could be a goal for the Filipina tennis players to set, like a realistic and professional goal to be able to play in a WTA event at home or all of these countries — we’re in Stuttgart, last week I was in Linz or in Miami. All of these people, all of these little girls and little boys are able to go with their families, see these top players, experience it, and then, it plants a dream.”
This comes just over a month after Eala pinpointed the change she’s already noticed in the Philippines regarding tennis.
Alex Eala set to appear in the main draw of the French Open
Although it has not been an ideal start to the clay-court season for Eala, she is still guaranteed a main draw spot in the upcoming Roland Garros.
That alone should provide great solace for the youngster, but there is added reason for optimism given that a seeded spot is still very much up for grabs.
What is the best win of Alexandra Eala’s career so far? 🤔
Iga Swiatek in Miami, Clara Tauson at the US Open, Jasmine Paolini in Dubai, or a different match?
After all, she currently sits 44th in the WTA live rankings, but has just 60 points to defend between now and the French Open.
Eala has a golden opportunity in Madrid and Rome to turn this dream into a reality.
If she can sneak just 12 places up the world rankings and inside the top 32, she could secure a seeded spot at a Grand Slam for the first time in her career. It’s there for the taking.
