Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175283556401120250718110740_eala.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Philippine tennis sensation Alex Eala. <em>Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA -- Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala held a meet and greet on Friday as she takes some time off in the Philippines.</p><p>Fresh off her Wimbledon campaign, Eala—now on a career-high World No. 56—was met with smiles and cheers as each attendee got a chance to snap a photo with the Philippines’ tennis pride at the headquarters of Globe Telecom.</p><p>Eala spoke with grace and poise, reflecting on what has been a breakout year for her. </p><p>She has climbed from World No. 140 at the start of 2025 to No. 56—with five months left in the season and her favorite hard court tournaments still to come.</p><p>“My fitness has really improved—I’m lasting longer on court, and I can maintain a high level for a longer period. That’s why I can hang with the top players now,” she explained. “My movement is better, my forehand has improved… a lot of small adjustments have clicked this year.”</p><p>Eala has been in Manila for 10 days, enjoying a short break before heading to Montreal, Cincinnati, Mexico, and then the US Open. </p><p>Her hard-hitting power game thrives on hard courts—a surface where she’s already found success, having won the US Open Junior title in 2022.</p><p>Now, she’s excited for her debut in the women’s main draw at Flushing Meadows.</p><p>“There’s still so much for me to achieve,” Eala said. “Of course, I want my first Grand Slam main draw win. After the US Open, I’ll be back playing closer to home in Asia.”</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/6/28/herstory-alex-eala-after-eastbourne-open-final-loss-i-ll-work-hard-to-do-more-0059"><strong>READ: HERSTORY: Alex Eala after Eastbourne Open Final loss — ‘I’ll work hard to do more’<br/></strong></a></div><p>The rising star was also candid about the lessons she’s picked up during a whirlwind year.</p><p>“I was talking to one of my coaches about how crazy things changed before and after Miami. Suddenly, more doors opened, more attention. But everything I’m doing is still the same—our routines, the people around me. So he asked me, ‘What’s the lesson in that?’”</p><p>“I realized… when you’re doing bad, it’s not as bad as you think. And when you’re doing good, it’s also not as good as you think. It’s never too bad or too good—it just depends. Sometimes it clicks. Sometimes it’s tougher.”</p><p>Supported by a strong team—her parents, the Rafa Nadal Academy coaches, and IMG Management—Eala is quick to credit her circle for keeping her grounded.</p><p>Her maturity has been on full display this season, especially during her finals run at Eastbourne and her spirited showing in the Wimbledon first round.</p><p>“I’ve learned to manage my nerves. To be brave. To try to be the boss on the court,” she said.</p><p>As a final surprise, Globe presented Alex with a custom-made Alex Eala Funko Pop Doll, celebrating not just her achievements, but her spirit—something that continues to inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes.</p><p>“I’m so proud to wear Globe on my jersey every time I play. They’re really like family to me,” said Eala. “The first time I was here, I think I was only seven or eight years old. The people here have been close to my heart for a long time.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a5euXXnSYiU??si=KSu3qnvYnF-HDxQJ&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dTN9Yd0S5bQ??si=JxoggtJNilQ2urX1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Fresh off her Wimbledon campaign, Alex Eala—now on a career-high World No. 56—was met with smiles and cheers as each attendee got a chance to snap a photo with the Philippines’ tennis pride.</p>

Fresh off her Wimbledon campaign, Alex Eala—now on a career-high World No. 56—was met with smiles and cheers as each attendee got a chance to snap a photo with the Philippines’ tennis pride.

Tennis: Alex Eala holds meet and greet, reflects on breakthrough year

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Tennis: Alex Eala holds meet and greet, reflects on breakthrough year

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 18, 2025 06:46 PM PHT

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