Dannyka Manangan

WHO SAID THIS: Alex Eala’s amazing grass season in 2026 became an inspiration to millions of Filipinos

Article (news)

Peter Andrew Acierto

Push Team

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784794189079WST26-AC_48-AlexEala.png" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>“I think you have to give yourself grace while also being brave.”</p><p>Filipino Tennis superstar Alex Eala proved at the grass-court swing that she has what it takes to be among the top players in the world. From her deep run at the Miami Open back in 2025, the Pinoy athlete isn’t holding back anymore and has continued to improve her game. </p><p>Playing alongside the best of the best, Alex isn’t one to back down as she continuously shows the rest of the world everything she has–– bringing a whole nation with her on top of it.  </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/4/23/look-alex-eala-graces-the-laureus-awards-1013"><strong>LOOK: Alex Eala graces the Laureus Awards</strong></a></div><p>After a disappointing first round exit at Roland Garros, the Filipino tennis sensation made sure to bounce back at the grass-court swing–– joining several tournaments prior to Wimbledon to familiarize herself with grass. </p><p>At the Birmingham Open, she captured another WTA125 title after beating five players and only dropping two sets throughout the tournament. She then went on to participate at the Queen’s Club Championships, where she lost in the second round against one of her good friends on the tour, Iva Jovic. </p><p>The odds were against her coming into the 2026 Berlin Tennis Open as her draw was one of the most challenging ones in the tournament. </p><p>Alex had to face newly-crowned champion of the Queen’s Club Championship, Donna Vekic, in the first round. Then she faced world rank number two, Elena Rybakina, in the second round before defeating another Top 10 player in the form of Elina Svitolina in the Quarterfinals. </p><p>While she faced giants, the Filipino athlete didn’t hold back as she faced them head on. Alex was able to return their shots and hold her ground when it came to serving. It was only in the semifinals that she was defeated by Linda Noskova, who eventually won the tournament and Wimbledon. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/11/4/alex-eala-reflects-on-successful-2025-wta-season-my-dreams-have-truly-come-alive-1952"><strong>READ: Alex Eala reflects on successful 2025 WTA season: ‘My dreams have truly come alive’</strong></a></div><p>Despite this, Filipinos from all over the world not only showed their support for Alex, but also found inspiration from her successful run. Alex has become someone that young Filipino athletes would look up to.</p>

<p>Alex Eala is this generation's inspirational athlete. </p>

Alex Eala is this generation's inspirational athlete.