Alexandra “Alex” Eala, the 18-year-old Filipino tennis sensation, has recently garnered widespread acclaim for her remarkable achievements on the international stage. In March 2025, she made history by defeating world No. 5 Madison Keys at the Miami Open, securing her place in the Round of 16. This victory marked a significant milestone as Eala became the first Filipino player to defeat a Top 10 player since the ATP/WTA ranking system was introduced five decades ago .
Further solidifying her status, Eala clinched two bronze medals at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China—one in women’s singles and another in mixed doubles with partner Francis Casey Alcantara. These accomplishments ended the Philippines’ 16-year medal drought in tennis at the Asian Games .
In addition to her recent successes, Eala has been recognized by tennis legends. Rafael Nadal, a longstanding mentor, congratulated her on her first professional title in 2021, praising her work ethic and attitude . Moreover, in June 2023, Eala graduated from the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, sharing the stage with Nadal and World No. 1 Iga Świątek during the ceremony .
Looking ahead, Eala aims to build on her momentum from a successful 2024 season, where she secured her first ITF W100 title and broke into the top 150 rankings. Her aspirations for 2025 include further advancements in the WTA rankings and continued participation in Grand Slam tournaments .
Eala’s journey from local courts in the Philippines to the global tennis arena exemplifies her dedication and the potential of Filipino athletes on the world stage.
