Alex Eala reveals most ‘difficult’ part of stunning rise as she reflects on trailblazer status
Alex Eala has revealed how she strives to remain the “best version of herself” after her stunning rise to prominence in 2025.
Ranked outside the top 130, a then 19-year-old Eala stunned the tennis world at the Miami Open back in March, reaching the semi-final of the WTA 1000 event.
The Filipina defeated three Grand Slam champions – Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek – on her way to the last four, and soared inside the top 100 of the WTA Rankings.
Eala became the first woman from her nation to reach the world’s top 100 and has now soared to her current ranking of world No 56, her latest career-high.
She has become the first woman from the Philippines to play main-draw matches at the French Open and Wimbledon, and reached her first WTA Tour final at the Eastbourne Open in June.
Eala has adjusted well to life in the tennis spotlight, with renewed attention across the tennis world and back in her home country.
However, speaking to One PH’s Power & Play, the 20-year-old admitted that adjusting to tour life had proven a greater challenge.
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“The difficult part of that journey has nothing really to do with fame or the spotlight,” said Eala.
“I think the difficulty comes with just adjusting to the tour and trying to be the best version of myself, the best player I can be every single day.
“All these other players are struggling with finances, they’re struggling with finding a coach. So you really have to count your blessings.
“For me, just to be in this situation where I have a supportive family and a really strong team—I have to enjoy that.”
“Every athlete and every tennis player has to deal with their own unique set of obstacles. So I face my problems head-on and take them one by one.”
Eala’s success has captured global attention, but she has continued to blaze an inspiring trail in the Philippines.
Already the nation’s first top-100 player and first Grand Slam main draw participant, Eala will make more history this summer.
The 20-year-old is set to become the first woman from her country to play in the main draw of the US Open, having previously made history by winning the junior event back in 2022.
Eala is already inspiring a new generation of players in her country, and she admits she takes delight in her newfound role.
She added: “A lot of people tell me that I’ve inspired so many to start picking up tennis.
“And, now the courts are full, the clubs, the coaches, the trainers – they’re getting so many more job inquiries. So it really warms my heart.
“I grew up in a time where Philippine tennis was in need of help and in need of change. So I’m happy to be able to provide what I can with what I’m doing.
“Obviously, I’m 20, there’s not so much I can really do, but if people can take inspiration from me working hard and competing in these big tournaments, it’s already such a pleasure for me.”
