At just 19 years old, Alexandra Eala is making waves in the world of women’s tennis, and her recent performances at the 2025 Miami Open have only solidified her rising star status. Hailing from the Philippines, Eala has quickly established herself as a formidable competitor, blending power, finesse, and an unyielding determination on the court.
Born on May 23, 2005, in Quezon City, Eala was introduced to tennis at an early age. Growing up in a family with strong sporting roots—her mother, Rizza Maniego-Eala, was a national swimming champion—Alex was instilled with discipline and a competitive spirit from the start. By the age of 12, she was already making headlines in junior tennis, catching the attention of international scouts. Her journey took a significant turn when she joined the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, where she transformed into a more complete player. Training under elite coaches and competing against top-tier talent, Eala quickly refined her aggressive baseline style and developed a deadly left-handed forehand.
Eala’s rise in the junior circuit was nothing short of meteoric. In 2020, she announced herself to the world by winning the Australian Open Girls’ Doubles title alongside Priska Madelyn Nugroho, followed by the French Open in 2021 with Oksana Selekhmeteva. However, her most significant achievement came in 2022 when she became the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam singles title, clinching the US Open Girls’ Singles Championship. Her dominant run at Flushing Meadows, where she defeated top-ranked juniors with a mix of precise shot-making and composure under pressure, marked a defining moment for both her career and Philippine tennis, inspiring a new generation of players.
The transition from junior to professional tennis has been equally impressive for Eala. She has steadily climbed the WTA rankings, earning ITF Women’s Circuit titles and competing against seasoned professionals. Her first professional singles title came in 2021 at the W25 tournament in Manacor, Spain, where her mentor, Rafael Nadal, honed his skills. Eala made her WTA Tour debut in 2021 at Cluj-Napoca, Romania, after receiving a wild card. In her first match, she defeated Paula Ormaechea in straight sets, although she lost in the second round to Mayar Sherif. Earlier that year, she also received a wild card into the qualifying draw of the Miami Open, where she lost to Viktoria Kuzmova in three sets during the first round.
As Eala continued to evolve her game, noticeable improvements in her serve and net play made her a formidable opponent on all surfaces. Her fearless playing style, characterized by heavy topspin and aggressive shot-making, sets her apart from other young talents. Like her mentor, Rafael Nadal, Eala uses her left-handed advantage to push opponents deep behind the baseline. Her two-handed backhand is rock-solid, allowing her to counterpunch effectively, while her exceptional athleticism showcases her movement across the court. With an aggressive mindset, she thrives in long rallies, often outlasting her opponents with a mix of power and patience.
Entering the 2025 Miami Open ranked No. 140, Eala embarked on a giant-slaying spree that left the tennis world in awe. In a stunning second-round upset, she defeated No. 25 seed and former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko with a hard-fought 7-6(2) 7-5 victory. This win marked a historic milestone as it was the first time a player representing the Philippines defeated a Top 30 opponent since the inception of WTA rankings in 1975. Eala's remarkable journey continued as she faced world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals, where she demonstrated poise and power to secure a 6-2 7-5 victory, advancing her to the semifinals and further cementing her status as a rising star.
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who has been a fan of Eala since meeting her two years ago, expressed great pride in her achievements. Spoelstra, of Filipino descent, first met Eala when she was 17 years old and ranked No. 219 in the world. He recalled her attending a Heat game and encouraged her to chase her dreams. Watching her upset win over Swiatek, Spoelstra remarked, "Great deal of pride. I mean, the country is exploding over her story. It’s one of the most inspiring things ever that a world-ranked tennis player comes out of a small place in the Philippines." His attendance at Eala's match was a testament to his support and belief in her potential.
However, Eala's magical run came to an end early Friday morning after a nearly three-hour semifinal match against No. 4 Jessica Pegula. The match concluded at 12:45 a.m. with Pegula prevailing 7-6 (7-3), 5-7, 6-3, earning her a spot in the finals against top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka on March 29, 2025. Despite the loss, Eala received a warm send-off from Filipino fans who stayed at Hard Rock Stadium, waving flags and cheering for her. She broke into a huge smile, waved, and made a heart gesture with her hands, showcasing her appreciation for the support she received throughout the tournament.
As Alexandra Eala continues to rise through the ranks of women’s tennis, many believe she is on her way to becoming a Grand Slam contender. Her rapid progress, combined with her ability to perform on big stages, suggests that as she gains more experience on the WTA tour, her confidence and game will only grow stronger. With her relentless drive and impressive achievements, she is paving the way for future generations of Southeast Asian athletes in a sport traditionally dominated by Western nations.
Expect to hear more about Alexandra Eala in the future—whether it’s at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, or the US Open, she’s a name tennis fans should get used to because she’s here to stay.
