QUEEN ALEXANDRA: Eala eyes renewed interest in tennis

Alexandra “Alex” Eala’s run in the Miami Open is history but she wishes that her rousing stint has inspired a lot of people to take up the sport in the Philippines.

Eala, 19, is hoping her recent run would result to a resurgence of tennis in the country.

The Rafael Nadal Academy graduate bowed out of the Miami Open last Friday after a 6-7, 7-5, 3-6 loss against home bet and world No. 4 Jessica Pegula in the semifinal.

“A heartfelt thank you to everybody on here for all the love and sweet messages that you guys have sent over the past few days. It will take time for me to get back to you all, but I want you guys to know I appreciate every single one of you,” Eala said.

“I would love to think that I make a difference. You know, that’s the only thing I can do to give back to my country is to help inspire, to inspire change and positive change, to inspire people to pick up a racquet, to watch more tennis, watch more women’s tennis.”

Entering the Miami Open at No. 140 in the Women’s Tennis Association rankings, Eala might have had the biggest upset in a WTA tournament after taking down world No. 2 Iga Swiatek of Poland.

For comparison, American Sofia Kenin, then ranked No. 128, pulled off a 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 over former world No. 7 Coco Gauff in the first round of the Wimbledon Championships in 2023.

Eala is set to rise to as high as No. 75 in the WTA rankings after making it as far as the semifinal of the Miami Open as well as a prize pot of $332,160 or P19 million.

She is also expected to enter into the main draw of large tournaments, including the upcoming Madrid Open from 21 April to 4 May.

Eala’s head coach Joan Bosch said his ward’s discipline and focus spelled the difference.

“Well, I have to say that for me, she’s one of the better players to coach. She’s super organized in her mind,” Bosch said.

“Sometimes, I want to do so many things, and she’s the one who tells me: ‘Woah, let’s go step by step. Let’s do this first and then we’ll do this second.’”

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos praised Eala for making an impact in the Miami Open.

“More importantly, Alex’s unprecedented feat serves as an inspiration to everyone, especially to ordinary Filipinos who face life’s daily challenges with the same grit and determination,” Marcos said.

“We are one with the entire nation in thanking Alex for her sacrifices and hard work in her quest for glory and honor. I’m sure that the elusive championship title is within reach soon. Vamos, Alex! Mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino!”