Alexandra Eala is one name that tennis fans in Southeast Asia and beyond should get used to hearing and reading more often than ever,
The 20-year-old world No.75 continues her rise in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour, highlighted by her exploits in Miami in early 2025, to her first-ever Grand Slam win at the US Open.
Her thrilling victory over No.14 seed Clara Tauson on August 24, 2025, is more than just one victory in New York – it’s a culmination of hard work, training, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
For the Philippines, a country often recognized for its prowess in basketball and boxing, Eala’s success marks a turning point for tennis and for Filipino athletes on the global stage.
Eala is no longer just a prospect – she’s a pioneer, a role model, and a symbol of what’s possible when talent, determination, and opportunity align.
Alexandra Eala’s early origins and how her tennis career started
Alexandra Eala was born on May 23, 2005, in Quezon City, Philippines, to her mother, Rosemarie Rizza” Maniego-Eala, who won a bronze medal at the 1985 Southeast Asian Games in the 100-meter backstroke (swimming) and was a chief executive officer at Globe Telecom.
Her father, Michael, was also an athlete.
Eala picked up a tennis racket at a very young age and quickly joined and rose among the ranks of junior competitions in Manila.
She attended the Immaculate Conception Academy in San Juan and Colegio San Agustin in Makati before transferring to the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Mallorca, Spain.
Eala would graduate from the academy in 2023 before she started her campaign on the WTA Tour.
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Eala’s rise to prominence
Eala’s big break came when she entered the Rafa Nadal Academy, considered one of the world’s most prestigious tennis academies, founded by the retired Spanish great Rafael Nadal.
She would shine at the 2020 Australian Open juniors, where she won the doubles title, followed by another Grand Slam doubles crown at the 2021 French Open juniors.
In 2022, Eala cemented her place in the record books by winning the US Open junior singles championship, becoming the first Filipino to claim a junior Grand Slam singles title.
These milestones did more than showcase her talent – they positioned her as a future star capable of competing against the best in the world.
Her time at the academy also sharpened her mental toughness, taught her discipline and resilience, qualities that were essential as she transitioned into the pro tour.
Alexandra Eala’s key career snapshots
Eala’s signature style and strengths
- Powerful forehand: Eala’s biggest weapon, as she is capable of dictating rallies and finishing points
- Excellent court movement: Her strong agility and footwork enable her to cover the court efficiently.
- Physical endurance: Eala’s high fitness levels let her grind through long rallies and three-set battles.
- Mental resilience: Her proven ability to stage comebacks under pressure, as shown in her 2025 US Open first-round win.
- Solid two-handed backhand: Reliable and effective for baseline exchanges.
- Adaptability: Adjusts tactics against higher-ranked players, showing maturity beyond her age.
- Competitive spirit: Eala plays with visible determination and national pride, lifting her game in big moments.
Alexandra Eala’s career milestones and major titles
Eala’s coaches and support team
Alexandra Eala’s career has been guided by a strong coaching foundation.
During her formative years at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, she trained under Daniel Gomexz and a team of Spanish coaches who helped refine her technique and discipline.
Their mentorship instilled in her the tactical awareness and resilience she displayed on the WTA stage.
In recent years, Eala has worked with Joan Bosch and other international coaches, while still maintaining her ties to the academy.
Her coaching team continues to focus on her fitness, toughness, and mental strategy, preparing her for the demands of top-tier competition.
Eala’s highest and current ranking
As of August 2025, Eala holds a world No. 75 ranking entering the US Open.
She earned her highest ranking at No. 56 on June 30, 2025, becoming the highest-ranked player from the Philippines in tennis history.
Her exploits at the Miami Open, where she defeated four top-30 seeds, including two top-10 players in Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek, enabled her to reach the top 60.
That enabled her instant entry to all the Grand Slam tournaments after Miami – from the French Open to Wimbledon to the US Open.
Expect Eala’s stock to rise either back to a top 60 after her breakthrough win at Flushing Meadows, and even a top 50 or beyond if she makes a deep run in New York.
Eala’s WTA record/Grand Slam tournaments
Breakthrough US Open adds to Eala’s rising feats
Eala made history for Philippine tennis after her 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(13-11) victory over Danish No.14 seed Clara Tauson on August 24, 2025.
She completed her first win for a Filipina player at a Grand Slam match after coming back from a 5-1 deficit in the third set and getting some help from a video review decision.
Tauson had a 5-4 lead and was serving for the match when Eala hit a shot right up near the net, and it wasn’t whether or not her racket crossed over the tape to make contact with the ball.
Chair umpire Kader Nouni ruled upon video review that Eala hit the ball fairly and awarded her the point, giving her two break chances.
The fact that Eala claimed her historic win while Filipinos celebrate National Heroes Day at home also made it more special.
“I’m so blessed to be the first to do this. I take so much pride in representing my country,” Eala said.”It makes what I do bigger than myself, and it adds meaning to what I do.”
Eala’s road to the 2028 LA Olympics
Eala’s meteoric rise in the WTA Tour prompts fans to ask: Can she represent the Philippines in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?
Qualification for Olympic tennis is based on WTA rankings and performance in international tournaments.
Given Eala’s upward trajectory, cracking the top 60 in 2025, her chances look promising.
More importantly, her potential Olympic appearance would bring tennis into the mainstream conversation in the Philippines, inspiring grassroots participation.
Should Eala qualify, it would be a proud moment for her country and another step in solidifying her legacy as one of the most influential Filipino athletes of all time.
What the future holds for Eala
Alexandra Eala’s breakthrough win at the 2025 US Open is just the beginning of her success.
With youth and her side and the experience growing from playing against elite competition, she is poised for a long and successful career barring injuries.
Beyond upset wins and rankings, Eala has the potential to become a global ambassador for the Philippines, much like Li Na was for China and Ken Nishikori for Japan.
If she continues to develop her game – improve her serve consistently and build on more tactical variety – there’s little doubt she could break into the top 20 and challenge for WTA titles and even more Grand Slam runs.
More importantly, Eala’s career trajectory shows Filipino athletes that the global stage is within reach with the right support system in place.
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