Alex Eala is drawing attention in the tennis world as she approaches the US Open. The 21-year-old drew over a thousand fans to the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center two days before her first match, her initial hardcourt tournament leading to the Open.
Eala recently completed a seven-day tour in Manila that included a meet-and-greet with sponsors, a photoshoot and a speaking engagement. She advanced to the round of 16 at Wimbledon.
No player from the Philippines has ever secured a singles title on either the ATP or WTA tours. From a young age, Eala envisioned herself playing on Wimbledon's green grass.
Eala's journey began at six years old in Manila, where she followed her older brother, Miko, to tennis courts. Her grandfather, Bobby Maniego, developed a training regimen after falling in love with tennis recreationally and coached various family members, including Eala's aunts and uncles, perfecting the system by the time Alex and Miko began playing.
Eala's early inspiration came from Maria Sharapova. She admired Sharapova's aggressive playing style and feistiness.
