At just 20 years old, Alexandra Maniego Eala has smashed Philippine tennis records by climbing to World No. 50 in the WTA singles rankings. This historic achievement makes her the highest-ranked Filipino tennis player, male or female, in history.
From Palawan Prodigy to Global Star
The journey began over 13 years ago in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, where a seven-year-old Alex Eala stood barely taller than the net. During the Palawan Pawnshop Age Group Championships in October 2012, she was already demonstrating remarkable skill, hitting powerful two-handed forehands and backhands during endless rallies with her older brother Miko.
Guided by her father Mike and her first coach, lolo Bobby Maniego, the foundation was laid for an extraordinary career. The turning point came in 2018 when the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca invited both Eala siblings to train and study. Alex became a scholar at just 13 years old, growing up at the academy and graduating in 2023.
A Champion's Practice and a Breakout Season
On November 19, 2025, a symbolic moment unfolded at the Rafa Nadal Academy. Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion who had retired a year earlier, chose Alex Eala for his first practice session back on court.
"One year later, it felt great to be back on a tennis court," Nadal stated. "It was great to practice with you, Alex. Next time, I will be stronger." Alex gratefully replied, "Thank you for today, Rafa."
The year 2025 has been Eala's spectacular breakout season. Her brightest moment came at the Miami Open last March. Entering as a wildcard ranked World No. 140, she delivered the run of her life, stunning Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and World No. 1 Iga Świątek to reach the semifinals.
Although she lost to Jessica Pegula, Eala made history as the first Filipino to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal and the first wildcard ever to defeat three Grand Slam champions in straight sets at the same event.
Another milestone followed in Mexico, where she captured the Guadalajara 125 title—the first-ever Challenger-level WTA trophy for a Filipina.
The Philippine Homecoming Dream
Filipino fans now have an exciting prospect to look forward to. From January 26 to 31, 2026, the Philippines will host the Philippine Women's Open, a WTA 125 event. The tournament will feature a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles field with total prize money of $115,000, staged at Manila's historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Whether the 5-foot-9 phenom will compete presents a delightful dilemma for fans. The tournament dates clash with the Australian Open (January 12 to February 1, 2026). If Eala makes a deep run in Melbourne—the dream scenario—she will miss the Manila event. However, an early exit would allow for a quick trip to the Philippines, where thousands of fans eagerly await the chance to cheer her on home soil.
Regardless of her schedule, one truth remains undeniable: Alexandra Eala is already a monumental winner, and her inspiring story is only just beginning.
