Alex Eala, the 19-year-old tennis sensation from the Philippines, has recently captured the attention of the tennis world with her impressive performance and unique playing style. Former world No. 1 Mats Wilander has lauded Eala’s talent, describing her skills as “hands given by God” and her understanding of the game as “mystical”. This praise comes after Eala’s historic run at the Miami Open, where she defeated several top-ranked players and reached the semifinals.
Eala’s Rise to Prominence
Eala’s journey to the top of the tennis world has been marked by dedication, hard work, and a clear passion for the sport.
Early Career and Junior Success
Eala began playing tennis at the age of four, and her talent quickly became apparent. Her junior career was highlighted by several significant achievements:
- 2018: Won the Les Petits As, a prestigious 14-and-under tournament in France.
- 2020: Partnered with Priska Madelyn Nugroho to win the Australian Open girls’ doubles title, becoming the first Filipino to win a Junior Grand Slam event since 2009.
- Reached a career-high junior ranking of No. 2.
- 2021: Teamed up with Oksana Selekhmeteva to win the French Open girls’ doubles title.
- 2022: Made history by becoming the first Filipina to win a junior Grand Slam singles title at the US Open.
Transition to Professional Tennis
Eala turned professional in 2020 and has steadily climbed the ranks of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).
- 2021: Won her first professional match and entered the top 1,000 in the WTA rankings.
- 2023: Debuted in the qualifying draw of the Australian Open and received wildcards for the main draw at the Miami Open and Madrid Open.
- Won two bronze medals at the Asian Games, one in women’s singles and another in mixed doubles.
- 2024: Made 2nd round at WTA 1000 Madrid. Earned fourth ITF career title at W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz and reached a career high ranking of No.143 in July.
The Miami Open Breakthrough
The 2025 Miami Open proved to be a turning point in Eala’s career. Entering the tournament as a wildcard ranked No. 140, she embarked on an incredible run, defeating a series of top players:
- Round of 128: Defeated Katie Volynets.
- Round of 64: Defeated Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion.
- Round of 32: Defeated Madison Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion.
- Round of 16: Received a walkover from Paula Badosa.
- Quarterfinals: Upset Iga Swiatek, the world No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion.
Eala’s victory over Swiatek was particularly impressive, as she won in straight sets and broke Swiatek’s serve eight times. This win made her the first Filipina to reach the semifinals of a WTA 1000 tournament.
Semifinal and Top 100 Debut
In the semifinals of the Miami Open, Eala faced Jessica Pegula, the world No. 4. Despite a valiant effort, Eala lost in three sets. However, her performance at the tournament earned her a remarkable 65-spot jump in the WTA rankings, from No. 140 to a career-high of No. 75. This achievement made her the first Filipina in WTA Tour history to break into the top 100.
Wilander’s Praise and Eala’s “Mystical” Tennis
Mats Wilander, a former world No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion, has been particularly impressed by Eala’s talent and potential. He told TNT Sports that Eala has “hands given by God” and understands the game as well as any player on tour. Wilander also compared her to Marcelo Rios, a former world No. 1 known for his unique and artistic playing style.
Unique Playing Style
Wilander noted that Eala possesses a unique playing style that sets her apart from other players on the tour. He described her game as “mystical” and praised her ability to hit shots that leave spectators in awe. Eala’s left-handedness also adds to her distinctiveness, as it provides her with a different angle and spin on her shots.
Understanding of the Game
Wilander emphasized Eala’s exceptional understanding of the game, stating that she sees the court and anticipates her opponents’ moves with remarkable clarity. This understanding allows her to make smart decisions and execute her shots with precision.
Comparison to Marcelo Rios
Wilander drew a comparison between Eala and Marcelo Rios, highlighting their shared ability to create magic on the court. Rios was known for his unconventional shots, his incredible feel for the ball, and his ability to outsmart his opponents. Wilander believes that Eala possesses similar qualities, which could make her a formidable force in the years to come.
Inspiration and Future Potential
Alex Eala’s success has not only brought her personal recognition but has also inspired a nation. She has become a role model for young Filipinos, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
National Pride and Support
Eala’s achievements have been celebrated throughout the Philippines, with athletes, celebrities, and politicians expressing their support and admiration. Manny Pacquiao, the legendary boxer and former senator, praised Eala for her fighting spirit and for winning the hearts of the world. Hidilyn Diaz, the Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting, and EJ Obiena, the pole vault star, have also lauded Eala’s accomplishments.
Role Model for Young Filipinos
Eala’s journey from a young tennis enthusiast to a top 100 player has resonated with many young Filipinos who dream of pursuing their passions. Her story has shown them that it is possible to achieve greatness on the global stage, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Future Prospects
At just 19 years old, Alex Eala has a bright future ahead of her. With her talent, work ethic, and the support of her team and her country, she has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the years to come. As Wilander predicted, Eala has all the qualities to become one of the greats of the game.
Conclusion
Alex Eala’s recent success, highlighted by her historic run at the Miami Open and the praise from former world No. 1 Mats Wilander, has solidified her status as a rising star in the tennis world. Her unique playing style, exceptional understanding of the game, and unwavering determination have captivated fans and inspired a nation. As she continues to develop and hone her skills, Eala has the potential to achieve even greater things and become a true icon of the sport. The tennis world will be watching with great anticipation as she embarks on the next chapter of her remarkable journey.
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