Arzen Rose Dulzura

Alex Eala reflects on what keeps her grounded amid rising success

Article (news)

E. Kristhoff Cagape

Push Team

<p>Alex Eala reflected on sharing the court with four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka following her milestone victory at the Mubadala DC Open.</p><p>&quot;She definitely has aura and she definitely has power, I can tell you. I remember watching her finals in the Australian Open and also in the US Open, so really a great experience to share the court with her and I&#x27;m really happy that I was able to produce that level against her,&quot; the Filipina tennis star said in an interview with Tennis Channel.</p><p>Alex defeated Naomi in the semifinals, securing her first WTA 500 final and second tour-level final overall.</p><p>Asked about her mindset during high-pressure matches, Alex said she focuses on the aspects of her game that are within her control. &quot;I try to to do best what I can control. So, whatever I can control I try to do my hundred percent,&quot; she highlighted.</p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbaz2F7SAlc/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A12756537.799999952%2C%22ls%22%3A204277.59999990463%2C%22le%22%3A204647.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="550" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Alex is set to face world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the championship match. Jessica previously defeated her in the semifinals of the 2025 Miami Open.</p><p>When asked how her game has developed since their previous encounter, Alex replied: &quot;I think I would say if I compare myself now to then, I am more well-rounded. I think I&#x27;m physically a little better. I have improved on a couple of my strokes.&quot;</p><p>She went on: &quot;But then again each player is always evolving and improvement is not a linear thing. So, every match is different and I&#x27;m sure Jess has also changed so much in these 18 months so it&#x27;s gonna be great.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><a href="http://h-for-next-tournament-1016"><strong><u>READ: Alex Eala pens message for Filipino supporters as she leaves PH for next tournament</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Alex was also asked what keeps her grounded amid her growing list of achievements and the support she has received throughout her young career.</p><p>&quot;For one, I still have so much motivation to become a better player, become a better person. I&#x27;m 21 so it&#x27;s not like I&#x27;m the queen of the world or anything,&quot; she said. &quot;Another thing is that tennis is such a humbling sport. Another thing is I look back on how far I&#x27;ve come and where I&#x27;ve come from and I&#x27;ve come a long way that&#x27;s another thing that keeps me grounded.&quot;</p><p>The Filipina tennis star went on: &quot;My family keeps me grounded. My team keeps me grounded. Every error I hit on the court keeps me grounded. Every time I&#x27;m mad on the court keeps me grounded. When I wake up in the morning and I have bad hair, keeps me grounded. There&#x27;s so many things that keep you grounded.&quot;</p>

<p>Filipina tennis star Alex Eala shared how she stays grounded amid her growing achievements.</p>

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala shared how she stays grounded amid her growing achievements.