Alex Eala aims to popularize tennis in PH after historic Miami Open run

Updated Thu, April 10, 2025 at 2:49 PM Published Wed, April 9, 2025 at 7:30 AM

Filipina tennis player Alex Eala, currently ranked world No. 75, aims to bring the sport closer to the hearts of Filipinos.

The 19-year-old achieved a historic run in the Miami Open, reaching the semifinals as a wildcard.

During her run, she defeated notable players including former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, No. 5 Madison Keys, and No. 2 Iga Swiatek.

Eala became the first Filipino in the Open era to beat a WTA Top 5 player and the first Filipino woman to break into the Top 100, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 75.

Her performance in Miami earned her the Philippine Sportswriters Association's top achiever award for March 2025.

Eala will compete in Roland Garros from May 25 to June 18, aiming to further popularize tennis in the Philippines.

She expressed joy at increased Filipino engagement with tennis, a sport less mainstream than basketball or volleyball in the country.

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