Emerging with the Athlete of the Year award in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Annual Awards Night last Monday was more than a personal victory for tennis superstar Alex Eala.

Eala, who is currently ranked at No. 47 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), said sharing the honor with two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo was a testament not only to her hard work but also a sign of tennis is slowly growing in the Philippines.

The Rafael Nadal Academy alumna wasn’t able to attend the prestigious awards night as she is competing in the Dubai Tennis Championships in the United Arab Emirates, where she is facing world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini of Italy at press time.

She, however, sent a video message expressing her gratitude to the support of sportswriters who never get tired chronicling her exploits that greatly contribute to the growth of the sport.

“This award means so much to me because it serves as a reflection of how far tennis has really come in our country,” Eala said in a video message that was played at the packed ballroom of Diamond Hotel Manila.

“So, thank you very much for this recognition and congrats to all of the awardees tonight.”

Eala’s semifinal run in the Miami Open last year sparked the boom of tennis in the country. With the 20-year-old serving as poster girl, the sport suddenly attracted a lot of young players who are determined to win and excel.

Eala’s efforts eventually paid off as the country hosted its first WTA tournament, the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open, last January at the newly-renovated Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Even Eala’s recent tournaments saw a huge Filipino crowd backing her, which leaves even Paolini impressed by her opponent’s rise to tennis stardom.

“We all know Asia has a big population, so a lot of people who can come to tennis can support us, can support our sport, as well,” Paolini said.

“Like Abu Dhabi was full of people watching Eala. I also remember the first match in Doha, you could hear from outside the court cheering for her.”

After her Dubai stint, Eala will fly to the United States for the BNP Paribas Open and the Miami Open in March.