Twenty-one-year-old tennis star Alex Eala is drawing record crowds and sparking a surge in tennis popularity across the Philippines.

Twenty-one-year-old tennis player Alex Eala has emerged as a major sporting figure, recently drawing sold-out crowds of over 10,000 at the Canadian Open. Currently ranked 18th in the world, the Quezon City native is competing at the 2026 US Open tonight at Armstrong Stadium. Her rapid ascent has made her a national icon in the Philippines, where she has inspired a growing interest in tennis.

Early Development and Training

Born into an athletic family in Quezon City, Eala was introduced to tennis at age three by her late grandfather, Roberto. She trained daily on crushed-shell courts, developing a resilient playing style. In 2018, after winning the Les Petits As junior tournament in France, she moved to Spain to join the Rafael Nadal Academy, a transition she credits with preparing her for the professional tour.

Professional Breakthrough

Eala gained international attention after winning the girls’ singles title at the 2022 US Open. Since then, she has secured victories over multiple Grand Slam champions, including Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka. Recently, she became the first Filipina to win a tour-level title at the WTA 500 event in Washington, and she reached the round of 16 at Wimbledon this summer.

Impact on the Philippines

Eala’s success has triggered a surge in tennis participation in the Philippines, leading to increased demand for court time. Her popularity has reached a level where she now requires security details in Manila. Following her Wimbledon performance, she was honored with a formal reception by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace.