In the fast-paced world of professional tennis, rising stars are easy to spot—and Alexandra “Alex” Maniego Eala is one of them. Born on May 23, 2005, in Quezon City, Philippines, she is making history as the most successful Filipino tennis player to date.
A Sporting Legacy Starts at Home
Alex comes from a family of athletes. Her mother, Rizza Maniego-Eala, earned a SEA Games bronze in swimming. Her older brother, Miko, played collegiate tennis at Penn State. Encouraged by this strong athletic background, Alex picked up a tennis racket at just four years old.
At 13, she moved to Spain to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy. There, she refined her skills under elite coaches, surrounded by some of the best young talents in the sport.
Winning Big on the Junior Circuit
Her rise was fast. Alex made headlines early in her career by dominating the junior scene:
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2018: She won the Les Petits As tournament at age 12.
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2020: She took home the Australian Open Girls’ Doubles title.
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2021: She added a French Open Girls’ Doubles win to her list.
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2022: Alex became the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title at the US Open.
These victories weren’t just milestones. They were signs that a star was on the rise.
Turning Pro: A New Chapter Begins
In March 2020, Alex turned professional. Her debut was in Tunisia at a $15k ITF event. She won her first match—an early signal of what was to come.
Soon after, she captured her first pro title in Spain. Later that year, she made her WTA Tour debut in Romania and won her opening round. Every match showcased her growth, grit, and love for the game.
Miami Open 2025: A Breakthrough Moment
March 2025 brought Alex’s biggest moment yet—the Miami Open. Entering the tournament ranked No. 140, she received a wildcard. What followed shocked the tennis world:
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She beat Jelena Ostapenko (world No. 25).
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She upset Madison Keys (world No. 5), marking the first time a Filipina beat a top-10 player.
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In the quarterfinals, she defeated Iga Świątek (world No. 2), winning 6-2, 7-5.
Though she lost in the semifinals to Jessica Pegula, her run earned global praise. It also launched her into a new tier of tennis excellence.
Breaking Records and Rankings
Following her Miami Open performance, Alex jumped to WTA World No. 75 on March 31, 2025. She is now the highest-ranked Filipina in WTA history and the first to break into the top 100.
Her Style: Power, Precision, and Composure
Alex is a left-handed player with a two-handed backhand. She relies on flat, aggressive groundstrokes and a sharp return game. Her mental strength and ability to stay composed under pressure give her an edge, even against higher-ranked opponents.
Training with the Best
Her development at the Rafa Nadal Academy has been a game-changer. She trained in an environment built for champions, guided by top-tier mentors. In a full-circle moment, Iga Świątek—whom she beat in Miami—was the guest of honor at her graduation from the academy in 2023.
More Than an Athlete: A Cultural Icon
Alex’s success is a source of pride across the Philippines. She has become a symbol of national excellence, inspiring young athletes to dream big. Media coverage, sponsorships, and fan support continue to grow.
Her story goes beyond wins. It’s about proving that talent from Southeast Asia can shine just as bright on tennis’ biggest stages.
What’s Next?
As her career gains momentum, the goals are clear—deeper runs in Grand Slams, a higher ranking, and continued growth. The tennis world is watching, and many believe this is only the beginning.
Conclusion: Alexandra Eala Is Just Getting Started
From Quezon City to the semifinals of the Miami Open, Alex Eala’s journey is powerful and inspiring. She’s not just chasing trophies—she’s breaking barriers, making history, and changing how the world sees Filipino athletes.
Tennis fans, take note: the future of the sport includes Alexandra Eala.