The FilAm Editorial
At a time when Filipinos are searching for role models who embody dignity and integrity, Alexandra “Alex” Eala came along.
The 20-year-old professional tennis player, with her calm confidence and trademark shy smile, has carved her name in history while carrying the Philippine flag with pride. The highest-ranked Filipino in Women’s Tennis Association history, is not only talented and driven but also deeply proud of her Filipino identity. At this year’s U.S. Open, she defeated No. 14 seed Clara Tauson, becoming the first Filipino ever to win a singles match at a Grand Slam. Her victory unfolded at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens—a borough surrounded by one of the largest Filipino communities in New York City.
The triumph did not come easy. Eala played under intense pressure, aware of the expectations from her countrymen both at home and across the diaspora. Battling fatigue and nerves, she pushed through to achieve a breakthrough victory. She dedicated her success to Filipinos and the Philippines itself—a nation grappling with corruption scandals involving high-ranking officials, police generals, and even media personalities.
“To be Filipino is something I take so much pride in,” Eala said after her win. “I don’t have a home tournament, so to be able to have this community here at the U.S. Open—I’m so grateful they made me feel like I’m home.”
Journalist Elton Lugay, who covered her matches, described the impact of her victory.
“She carried the hopes of a nation, made us proud, and showed how determination and the support of her people can lead to success. By breaking barriers in a global sport, she inspires young Filipinos to dream big and work hard for their goals.”
Born in Quezon City in 2005, she grew up in a family where sports was second nature. Wikipedia is reporting that her mother, Rosemarie “Rizza” Maniego-Eala, was a bronze medalist swimmer at the 1985 Southeast Asian Games. She is also the niece of Noli Eala, former Philippine Sports Commission chairperson and PBA commissioner. Her brother, Michael “Miko” Eala, played collegiate tennis for Penn State University from 2020 to 2024. Her father Mike is an indefatigable supporter and a constant presence.
Her early education was spent in Catholic schools in San Juan and Makati before she sought world-class tennis training abroad. She graduated in 2023 from the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, where she honed the skills that would eventually propel her onto the international stage.
With her historic U.S. Open win, the story of Alex Eala is still being written, but already, she is a shining example of what we, and especially our youth, should aspire to be as Filipinos.
