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Alexandra Eala

Alexandra Eala
She is a professional tennis player from the Philippines, currently ranked No. 56, the highest in her nation’s history. She was the first Filipina to play at Wimbledon. She won the 2022 US Open girls’ singles title, reaching a WTA Tour-level final at Eastbourne, and the Miami Open semifinals.
Alexandra Eala celebrates after beating Mary Stoiana in the first round of the women’s singles at the US Open. Photo: AFP
US Open (tennis)

Beaming Alexandra Eala thanks fans after cruising to US Open first round win

Philippine tennis star beats America’s Mary Stoiana in straight sets, while fans packed out stands just to watch her practice hours earlier.

US Open (tennis)

Rise of Asian players Eala, Zheng point to progress on US Open diversity: Pegula

US Open (tennis)

Philippine trailblazer Alexandra Eala set to bring fervent following to US Open

Asian Games 2026

Eala, Yu Zidi all aboard as Japan’s Asian Games preparations enter ‘final stages’

Filipino tennis star, Chinese swimming sensation and Indian cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to make waves with a cruise ship in Nagoya.

Japanese sprinter Kiryu Yoshihide lights the torch from the cauldron during the flame-lighting ceremony for the 20th Asian Games in Tokyo on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua
WTA (Women's Tennis Association)

‘I want to be Eala’: star sparks tennis boom in Philippines, but at what cost?

Alexandra Eala’s success has parents rushing their children to courts across the country, and a National Tennis Centre in the works.

SCMP Highlights

China retaliates on US sanctions; North Korea’s dog meat advisory: 7 highlights

From Chinese hotpot giant Haidilao’s burger brand to Filipino star Eala’s maiden WTA win, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

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Fifa World Cup

Opinion | Why underdogs like Alexandra Eala, Cabo Verde, Dear You fascinate us

Money still shapes the balance of power, but every so often a team, player or film will rise up to challenge the status quo and inspire us.

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Alexandra Eala of the Philippines holds the championship trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Jessica Pegula of the United States at the Mubadala DC Open at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Centre in Washington on August 3. Photo: AFP
WTA (Women's Tennis Association)

First Filipino WTA winner Eala backed by sporting pedigree, unstoppable spirit

The Philippines’ first true global tennis star comes from a sporting family and had the best training, but won her first title the hard way.

WTA (Women's Tennis Association)

‘Really, really proud’ Eala makes history, first Filipino to win WTA singles title

‘Oh my gosh, winning a [WTA] 500, it’s insane. It’s an incredible milestone for me,’ the 21-year-old says after claiming Washington Open title.

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WTA (Women's Tennis Association)

Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala stuns Zheng Qinwen in Washington Open debut

Another Chinese player, Wang Xinyu, fared better, saving three set points to beat 17-year-old American qualifier Julieta Pareja.

Alexandra Eala made global headlines earlier this month after beating Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon to become the first Philippines player to reach the last 16 of a grand slam. Photo: AFP
French Open

French Open: Sabalenka thrives in heatwave as Southeast Asians Eala, Tjen exit

Ex-world No 1 Daniil Medvedev struggles in conditions before bowing out, as do China’s Zhang Shuai and Zhang Zhizhen.

Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka uses a handheld fan to cool down during a break in play against Spains’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Photo: Reuters
French Open

‘SEASters’ Alexandra Eala, Janice Tjen bring Southeast Asian pride to French Open

Filipino Eala and Indonesia’s Tjen, both in the top 50, bring an ‘incredible fan base’ with them, but are still finding their feet on clay.

Australian Open

Australian Open: Djokovic sparkles as China’s Shang causes upset, Eala bows out

Serb begins quest for 25th grand slam title in fine form, Chinese former world No 47 makes good start, but Filipino favourite is knocked out.

Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open

Hong Kong Open: staying focused the key for Fernandez as she beats Wang

Canadian opens campaign with flawed display on centre court, while Belinda Bencic and Alexandra Eala also progress to the next round.

Leylah Fernandez beat China’s Wang Xiyu in straight sets to get her Prudential Hong Kong Open campaign on the way at Victoria Park on Tuesday. Photo: Eugene Lee
Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open

Wild card Ng within moments of shock win at Prudential Hong Kong Open

Maggie Ng on verge of victory against player ranked 1,000 spots above her, but China’s Lu Jiajing regains control at death.

Maggie Ng came close to pulling off a huge upset in the Prudential Hong Kong Open. Photo: Dickson Lee
Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open

Hong Kong Open: former winner Leylah Fernandez among 4 new faces after pull-outs

The 2023 winner will be joined by Tokyo Games champion Belinda Bencic, Sofia Kenin, Maria Sakkari after Emma Raducanu, Naomi Osaka withdraw.

Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open

Naomi Osaka, Alexandra Eala to headline Hong Kong Open in October

Former world No 1 and rising star from the Philippines among first names to be revealed for WTA 250 event at Victoria Park.

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US Open (tennis)

US Open: Alexandra Eala, Janice Tjen join big guns in kicking off second round

Filipino Eala will battle Spain’s Cristina Busca, while Indonesian Tjen faces former champion Emma Raducanu in New York.

Filipino Alexandra Eala beat Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the first round of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Photo: dpa
US Open (tennis)

US Open: Wong happy to embrace moment, ready ‘to go all-in’ for Walton clash

Historical significance of victory not lost on Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong as he readies for second round in New York.

US Open (tennis)

Filipino tennis ace Alexandra Eala ‘so grateful’ after making history at US Open

Epic comeback to beat No 14 seed Clara Tauson makes her the first player from the Philippines to win a grand slam match in Open era.

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Fame and celebrity

Meet Alexandra Eala, the first Filipina to reach Wimbledon’s main draw

The tennis star has gone head to head against greats Iga Świątek and Varvara Gracheva in high-stakes solo matches, but she also loves a game with No 1 doubles player Coco Gauff.

Meet Alexandra Eala, the first Filipina to reach Wimbledon’s main draw. Photo: EPA
Wimbledon

Zheng Qinwen: Wimbledon defeat ‘just another match I lost on grass’

Fifth seed knocked out in first round for the third year running, but says she won’t let it ‘get in my head’.

China’s Zheng Qinwen walks off the court after losing her first-round match to Katerina Siniakova. Photo: Reuters
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