Alexandra “Alex” Maniego Eala is a Filipino professional tennis player who has rapidly become a prominent figure in the sport, making history for her country on the international stage. A left-handed player with a two-handed backhand, Eala has distinguished herself with a series of groundbreaking achievements in both her junior and professional careers. Born on May 23, 2005, in Quezon City, Philippines, she has been a source of national pride since a very young age.
Early Life and Junior Career
Eala’s prodigious talent was evident early on. At just 12 years old, she moved to Manacor, Mallorca, Spain, to train at the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy. This bold decision proved to be a pivotal step in her development. She finished her junior career as a decorated player, reaching a career-high junior singles ranking of No. 2 in the world. Her junior Grand Slam success includes:
- 2020 Australian Open – Girls’ Doubles Champion (with Priska Madelyn Nugroho)
- 2021 French Open – Girls’ Doubles Champion (with Oksana Selekhmeteva)
- 2022 US Open – Girls’ Singles Champion
Her victory at the 2022 US Open made her the first Filipino player to win a junior Grand Slam singles title, a landmark achievement that cemented her status as a national sporting hero.
Playing Style and Strengths
Eala is a left-handed player known for her aggressive and disciplined baseline game. Her strengths include:
- Powerful Groundstrokes: She hits the ball with pace and depth, particularly with her forehand, which allows her to dictate rallies and put opponents on the defensive.
- Exceptional Return Game: Eala is known for her ability to return serve effectively, often taking the ball early to disrupt her opponents’ rhythm.
- Mental Resilience: One of her most praised attributes is her calm and composed demeanor under pressure.Coaches and analysts have noted her “never give up” attitude, a trait she shares with her mentor, Rafael Nadal.
In a 2021 interview with BusinessWorld Online, Eala said, “I think it’s important to keep wanting to improve and keep wanting to work hard whether you win or you lose. There’s going to be good times and hard times, but that’s part of being a tennis player and being an athlete.”
Her training regimen at the Rafa Nadal Academy is comprehensive and demanding. A typical day for Eala includes morning sessions of weight training and cardio, followed by on-court drills. Afternoons are dedicated to more skills work,tactical play, and video analysis with her coaching team.
Professional Career Breakthrough
Eala officially turned professional in March 2020 and has since been making significant strides on the WTA Tour. Her professional career has been marked by several milestones, including:
- Breaking the Top 100: In 2025, Eala became the first Filipino player in history to break into the WTA’s top 100 singles rankings, with a career-high of No. 56 in June 2025. Her current ranking is No. 70 as of August 19, 2025.
- Miami Open Semifinalist (2025): As a wildcard entry, Eala had a sensational run at the 2025 Miami Open. She defeated Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys, and secured a landmark victory against then-world No. 2 Iga Świątek. Her run ended in the semifinals with a loss to Jessica Pegula.
- WTA Finalist (2025): She became the first Filipina to reach a WTA singles final at the 2025 Lexus Eastbourne Open, where she finished as the runner-up to Maya Joint.
- Grand Slam Main Draw Debut: In 2025, she earned direct entry into the main draws of both the French Open and Wimbledon.
Coaches, Sponsors, and Recognition
Eala’s development has been guided by a team of experienced coaches from the Rafa Nadal Academy, including her primary coach, Joan Bosch. Bosch, who also serves as the U18 head coach at the academy, has been working with Eala since 2023.
Eala’s rise has attracted attention from major brands, leading to strategic partnerships that support her career. Her sponsors include:
- Adidas
- Babolat
- Globe Telecom
- Locally Blended Juice Drink (NutriAsia): A recent partnership that Eala announced in July 2025, highlighting her role in inspiring Filipino youth.
Beyond her on-court achievements, Eala has received significant awards and recognition. She was named one of the Athletes of the Year at the inaugural Women in Sports Awards 2024 in the Philippines. In 2022, she was featured on the cover of Vogue Philippines following her historic US Open junior title. During her Wimbledon debut in 2025, Nike presented her with a symbolic gift-a sampaguita hair tie-in a gesture of celebrating her heritage. Eala shared on social media that the flower was “a reminder of where I come from and everything that brought me here.”
Tournament History and Results
Eala has competed in a number of professional tournaments, steadily climbing the ranks of the WTA Tour. Here is a list of her notable results:
Grand Slam Tournaments
- 2025 French Open: 1st Round
- 2025 Wimbledon: 1st Round
- 2024 US Open: Final Qualifying Round (Q3)
WTA Tournaments
- 2025 Miami Open (WTA 1000): Semifinals
- 2025 Lexus Eastbourne Open (WTA 500): Runner-up
- 2024 Madrid Open (WTA 1000): 2nd Round
ITF Tournaments (Titles)
- 2024 W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz: Champion
- 2023 W25 Yecla: Champion
- 2022 W25 Chiang Rai: Champion
- 2021 W15 Manacor: Champion
National Representation
- 2022 Asian Games: Bronze Medal (Singles and Mixed Doubles)
- 2021 Southeast Asian Games: Bronze Medal (Singles and Mixed Doubles)
- 2024 Billie Jean King Cup: The Philippines secured a promotion to Division II, with Eala playing a key role.
Legacy and Future
Alex Eala has become a major source of inspiration for many young Filipinos. She is a role model who embodies dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence. As she continues to compete on the WTA Tour, her journey is closely followed by a nation that sees in her a beacon of hope and a symbol of Filipino athletic prowess on the global stage.
