Philippines’ Alexandra Eala returns against France’s Varvara Gracheva during their women’s singles semi-final tennis match on day five of the Lexus Eastbourne International tennis tournament in Eastbourne, southern England, on June 27, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
President Marcos on Saturday cheered on rising tennis star Alex Eala after she became the first Filipino to reach the World Tennis Association Finals (WTA). This was after the 20-year-old Eala triumphed over Varvara Gracheva of France at the Lexus Eastbourne Open semifinals. “Can’t wait to watch Alex Eala make history in the Philippines’ first-ever WTA Finals,” said the President, who also congratulated Eala for her “historic and amazing run” at the 2025 Miami Open in March. Mr. Marcos added: “We’re already so proud, Alex. Just play your game and enjoy every moment. The whole Philippines is behind you.” Currently ranked 74th in the world rankings, Eala will face Maya Joint of Australia, who is at 51st place, at the WTA Finals on Sunday. Alexandra Maniego Eala was born on May 23, 2005, in Quezon City and studied in the Philippines until she transferred to the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, in 2017. She is currently the highest-ranked Filipino player in Women’s Tennis Association, the world’s pro league for women, which also ranked her World No. 68 last month. Eala has earned more than $1 million from world tour events, excluding endorsement contracts she has had since she was eight years old. —JULIE M. AURELIO
