Filipino tennis sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala has been making waves in the professional tennis circuit, with her recent victory over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek marking a significant milestone in her career. At just 19 years old, Eala has already cemented her place in history as the highest-ranked Filipina singles player, currently sitting at world No. 134 as of January 27, 2025. Her meteoric rise and impressive achievements make her one of the most exciting young athletes in the sport today.
Early Life and Background
Born on May 23, 2005, in the Philippines, Eala comes from a family with a strong athletic background. Her mother, Rosemarie “Rizza” Maniego-Eala, was a bronze medalist in swimming at the 1985 Southeast Asian Games, while her uncle, Noli Eala, is a former Philippine Basketball Association commissioner and Philippine Sports Commission chairperson. Eala’s older brother, Michael, played collegiate tennis for Penn State University.
At the age of 12, Eala joined the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, where she honed her skills and developed into a formidable player. Her early training laid the foundation for her success in both the junior and professional circuits.
Junior Career and Grand Slam Achievements
Eala’s talent was evident from a young age, and she quickly rose through the junior ranks. In 2018, she won the Les Petits As tournament, a prestigious 14-and-under competition. She then made her junior Grand Slam debut at the 2019 US Open and achieved a career-high junior ranking of No. 2 in 2020.
Eala’s breakthrough came in 2022 when she became the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title at the US Open. She had previously secured Grand Slam doubles titles at the 2020 Australian Open and the 2021 French Open, showcasing her versatility and dominance in both formats of the game.
Transition to the Professional Circuit
Eala began her professional career on the ITF Women’s Circuit in 2020, winning her first title at a $15k event in Manacor, Spain. She quickly climbed the rankings, earning wildcards into WTA events, including the Miami Open and Madrid Open. Her persistence paid off, as she broke into the top 200 in 2023 and won multiple titles on the ITF circuit.
In 2024, Eala continued her steady climb, reaching her first WTA 1000 fourth round at the Miami Open, where she stunned former world No. 5 Sara Errani. She followed this up with a victory over world No. 5 Madison Keys, marking her first top-10 win. Her rapid rise in the rankings made her the first Filipina to break into the WTA top 100.
Historic Victory Over Iga Swiatek
Eala’s biggest achievement to date came at the 2025 Miami Open, where she defeated world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in straight sets to reach her first WTA 1000 semifinal. This victory made her the first Filipina player in history to reach this stage of a WTA 1000 event and solidified her status as a rising star in women’s tennis. Her fearless performance against one of the best players in the world demonstrated her potential to compete at the highest level.
What’s Next for Eala?
With her recent success, Eala is poised for a breakthrough season. As she continues to refine her game and gain experience on the WTA Tour, many expect her to climb even higher in the rankings. Her impressive work ethic, combined with her strong support system and training at the Rafa Nadal Academy, positions her as a future contender for Grand Slam titles.
Eala’s journey is far from over, but her remarkable achievements at such a young age have already inspired a new generation of Filipino athletes. As she continues to rise, the tennis world will be watching closely to see just how far this young star can go.
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