Julia Christine Botin

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

MADRID, Spain — Alex Eala marked a strong start to her Mutua Madrid Open campaign on April 22, <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/4/22/alex-eala-marches-to-second-round-of-madrid-open-by-beating-pavlyuchenkova-2117">defeating Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova</a>, 6-3, 6-3 in her tournament debut.The Filipina rising star overcame a seasoned opponent in Pavlyuchenkova, a former Grand Slam finalist, showing control and confidence throughout the match at the Caja Mágica.Eala took charge of key moments in both sets, relying on her consistency and discipline against the more experienced Russian.In a one-on-one interview with ABS-CBN News, Eala reflected on her performance and the key factors behind her win.“I think the key to today was keeping the intensity during the matches,” Eala said. “Of course, Anastasia is a great player… she’s very seasoned. Matagal ko na siyang napapanood sa TV, kaya naman sobrang saya ko sa panalo today.”Even after dropping the opening point, Eala remained focused — a mindset, she said, is crucial in high-level matches.“Losing the first point? No, because the match is consisted of many, many points… it’s a very normal thing to lose the first point,” she explained.Adapting to Madrid’s unique clay conditions, particularly the altitude, was also a factor in her performance.“I think the adjustment went pretty well,” she added. “I’ve had a couple of days already to feel the court and to do these things… but more than anything, today I was able to execute certain things that I’ve been working on for weeks already.”Beyond her on-court performance, Eala continues to carry the Philippine flag with pride. She <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/4/21/alex-eala-shines-at-laureus-sports-awards-0922">recently attended the Laureus World Sports Awards</a> wearing a Filipiniana-inspired outfit, highlighting her identity as a Filipina athlete on the global stage.“Siyempre napakahalaga sa akin ang pagiging Pinoy… I try to embody that in a lot of the things I do because I’m so passionate about it… nakaka-proud,” she said.Support from the Filipino community was evident in Madrid, with several kababayans — including representatives from the Philippine Embassy — present to cheer her on during the match. Her presence continues to resonate with Filipino fans both in Europe and back home.“Maraming maraming salamat mga kababayan, sa lahat ng nanood sa akin dito sa Madrid… maraming salamat din,” Eala said in a message to her supporters.The victory marks a positive step for Eala on clay as she continues her campaign in Madrid at the WTA 1000 level. <div> </div><div>Eala speaks in Spanish</div>Meanwhile, Eala impressed fans as she agreed to be interviewed in Spanish for the first time.The video of Eala speaking in Spanish was released by Mutua Madrid Open on its YouTube channel on April 23.In the interview, Eala admitted being shy speaking in Spanish but added that she is improving in speaking the language.  &quot;Well, I try. It’s improving. And I’ve been in Mallorca for so long at Rafa’s academy but since I travel a lot I don’t spend as much time there so every time I go back to Spain, or Madrid or Mallorca, it’s still improving. It’s getting better,&quot; says Eala as translated in English.Eala also shared that she usually talks to her coach Joan Bosch in Spanish and in English.When asked of how she feels to play in Madrid with Filipino audience cheering for her, Eala said: &quot;Madrid is a city I love a lot. Right now my older brother works here. And my entire family is here for Mutua. There’s also quite a lot of Filipinos here and I’ve gone out to eat a few times and all the cooks are from the Philippines and that surprised me.&quot;Below is the interview of Eala. <div> </div><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/73V9WaD6YZQ?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>

Alex Eala marks strong Madrid Open debut, draws Filipino support in Spain

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Sports

Alex Eala marks strong Madrid Open debut, draws Filipino support in Spain

ABS-CBN News,

Sandra Sotelo Aboy

Published April 23, 2026 12:14 PM PHT

Read More:

Alex Eala

Madrid Open

Filipino

Spain

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.