The world of women’s tennis is witnessing the meteoric rise of a new star — Alexandra “Alex” Maniego Eala. With her dazzling performance at the 2025 Miami Open, Eala, a protégé of the legendary Rafa Nadal, is rapidly carving out her place in the history of competitive tennis. With the Filipino flag proudly waving in the air, she has become a symbol of grit, determination, and breakthrough talent, inspiring not only her fellow Filipinos but tennis fans around the globe.
A Historic Win in Miami
Alex Eala made history during the 2025 Miami Open when she stunned five-time Grand Slam champion and world no. 2, Iga Świątek, in a match that left the tennis world in awe. It was a victory that solidified Eala’s status as a rising star in the sport. The win catapulted her Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) ranking from No. 140 to No. 75, making her the first Filipino to break into the prestigious WTA 100.
Her victory was not just a career-defining moment but also a deeply emotional one, as she faced off against someone she had admired for years. Eala’s triumph in the Miami Open quarterfinals not only proved her mettle but also reflected her years of dedication and hard work on the court.
The Bitter-Sweet Moment
What made the victory even more bittersweet for Eala was that she had once shared a special moment with her idol. In June 2023, during her graduation ceremony at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Eala had the honor of meeting Świątek, who was the commencement speaker. In an interview with Reuters, Eala reflected on the surreal nature of the moment, recalling how she had stood next to Świątek during the ceremony. At the time, Eala could never have imagined that two years later, she would face her hero on one of the biggest stages in tennis.
“It’s super surreal to think that the circumstances have changed, and now I’m facing her on court,” Eala said after her victory in Miami, expressing her gratitude for the journey that had brought her to this point.
A Tennis Star Is Born
Born and raised in the Philippines, Alex Eala’s journey to the top of the tennis world began at a young age. Tennis was a part of her life early on, thanks to her grandfather, who loved the sport and introduced all his grandchildren to it. Eala’s mother, Rizza Maniego-Eala, a former national swimmer, and her father, Michael Francis Eala, also played pivotal roles in shaping her path to success. Her brother, Michael Francis Eala, is also a professional tennis player, making the Eala family a true sporting powerhouse.
At just 13 years old, Eala moved to Mallorca to join the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy, where she would receive the training and mentorship that would propel her to international success. Her talent was undeniable from the start, and she first made a name for herself by winning the prestigious Le Petits As junior tournament in France, a key event for players aged 12 to 14.
However, it was in 2022 that Eala truly broke onto the international scene, winning the US Open Girls’ Singles title, marking her first junior Grand Slam. In the final, she defeated Czech player Lucie Havlickova, cementing her status as one of the brightest young prospects in tennis.
The Moment of a Lifetime
Eala’s career reached new heights during her remarkable run at the 2025 Miami Open, where she faced off against the formidable Iga Świątek in the quarterfinals. Eala’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. In the first set, she overwhelmed Świątek, winning 6-2 in a run that saw her erase a 0-1 deficit and surge ahead with an incredible sequence of eight consecutive points.
Despite Świątek’s fierce reputation and her five Grand Slam titles, Eala showed the resilience and mental toughness of a seasoned pro. After dropping the second set to a 2-4 deficit, Eala battled back to win 7-5, clinching her place in the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career. The victory was a testament to her focus, tenacity, and belief in her abilities.
“I feel like I’m the exact same person that I was in that photo,” Eala said in an emotional post-match interview, referring to the photo with Świątek from their graduation ceremony. “But of course, circumstances have changed, and I’m just so happy and so blessed to be able to compete with such a player on this stage.”
Hard Work and Dedication
When asked about the secret to her success, Eala attributed her victory to hard work, discipline, and an unyielding focus on the task at hand. “I just kept running, going for every ball and taking every opportunity I could,” she explained. “A five-time Grand Slam champion is not going to give you the win. You have to earn it.”
Her victory in Miami was part of an incredible run that saw her defeat three former Grand Slam champions in a row, including Świątek, further cementing her place as one of the top contenders in the women’s game.
At the end of the interview, Eala reflected on her stunning achievement, calling it one of the biggest highlights of her career. “It’s forever in my heart,” she said, an emotional testament to how much this victory meant to her.
A Star in the Making
Alex Eala’s rise to the top of the tennis world is not just a testament to her skill but to her unwavering dedication and heart. Her performance in the 2025 Miami Open has earned her a rightful place among the next generation of tennis stars, and as she continues to break barriers and set records, it’s clear that the sky’s the limit for this rising Filipina tennis ace.
As the tennis world watches her journey, one thing is certain: Alex Eala is a star in the making, and her best is yet to come.
