JE C.C.
At just 19 years old, Alexandra “Alex” Eala has etched her name into the annals of Filipino sports history with an extraordinary run at the Miami Open 2025.
The young tennis sensation became the first Filipina to reach the semifinals of a WTA tournament, the first Filipino player to defeat three Grand Slam champions, and the first from her country to conquer both the world No. 5 and No. 2 players. As a wildcard entrant, Eala’s achievements are even more remarkable—she is the first wildcard player in Miami Open history to reach the semifinals while toppling three Grand Slam titans.
Eala’s Cinderella story captivated the tennis world as she dispatched some of the sport’s biggest names, showcasing her talent, grit, and determination. However, her historic run came to an end in the semifinals against world No. 4, Jesse Pegula, in a hard-fought match that highlighted her resilience. Despite the loss, Eala’s performance propelled her from No. 140 to No. 75 in the world rankings, making her the first Filipino tennis player to break into the Top 100. She also takes home at least ₱19 million in prize money for her Top 4 finish—an impressive haul for the teenage trailblazer.
A TSN sports commentator observing Eala’s demeanor after the match, remarked, “How often do you see a losing player in a match giving the bigger smile.” Indeed, Eala’s infectious positivity underscored her perspective on the tournament.
Alex Eala feels the love despite the loss
💙❤️#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/DeNmdiM4Fu
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 28, 2025
In a post-match interview, she reflected, “I literally gave everything I had. I’m half-tape, I’m like a mummy. I did everything and I have no regrets. To have a week like this, the stars need to align, and they did this week. Hopefully, I can keep that up. That’s my goal now—to keep this up.”
A Milestone for Filipino Sports
Eala’s breakthrough has sparked widespread celebration in the Philippines, with fans and commentators alike hailing her as the latest in a line of Filipino athletes excelling on the global stage.
“From Hidilyn Diaz to Caloy Yulo to EJ Obiena and now to Alex Eala—one thing’s for sure, Filipinos are thriving in sports that aren’t mainstream here in the country,” one netizen remarked, referencing the Olympic triumphs of weightlifter Diaz, gymnast Yulo, and pole vaulter Obiena.
From Hidilyn Diaz to Caloy Yulo to EJ Obiena and now to Alex Eala—one thing's for sure, Filipinos are thriving in sports that aren't mainstream here in the country.
— Aubrey (@HeyyAubrey) March 26, 2025
Tennis journalist Bastien Fachan took to X to praise Eala’s meteoric rise: “Like in the tale, Cinderella drops her shoe at midnight. But what a beautifully unexpected story that was. 19-year-old Alexandra Eala gets a wildcard and turns it into the run of a lifetime, putting the Philippines on the tennis map. A star is born.”
Eala’s journey has been a long time in the making, and her success has shone a spotlight on the support she’s received from Filipino media.
Netizen Christian Cofino noted, “Tennis isn’t a widely recognized sport in the Philippines, but ABS-CBN and Dyan Castillejo have been covering Alex Eala’s journey since she was just a child with big dreams of making it in the sport. Look at the network that has supported Alex since Day 1.”
Tennis isn’t a widely recognized sport in the Philippines, but ABS-CBN and Dyan Castillejo has been covering Alex Eala’s journey since she was just a child with big dreams of making it in the sport. Look at the network that has supported Alex since Day 1. pic.twitter.com/53FoxoRf0D
— Cristian Cofino | #KikoBamHeidiSaSenado (@cristiancofino_) March 28, 2025
The Filipino public has embraced Eala’s achievements with open arms. Actor and influencer Kiko Matos summed up the national sentiment: “She’s so cute! She’s so fine! … Congratulations, Alex Eala! You made us all so proud, here sa Pilipinas!”
Eala’s Miami Open run marks a turning point not only for her career but also for tennis in the Philippines—a sport that has historically taken a backseat to basketball and boxing in the country’s cultural landscape. Her victories over three Grand Slam champions and top-ranked players signal the arrival of a formidable talent, one who is determined to build on this momentum.
As Eala prepares for her next challenge, her words linger as a promise of more to come: “The stars need to align, and they did this week. Hopefully, I can keep that up.”
For a nation basking in her success, the hope is that this is just the beginning of a stellar career—and a new chapter for Filipino tennis.
