The recognition of Alex Eala as the 2025 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Athlete of the Year signifies a remarkable growth in Philippine tennis. Eala received this honor alongside gymnast Carlos Yulo during the PSA Awards Night held at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. Although she could not attend due to her participation in the Dubai Tennis Championships, she expressed her gratitude through a recorded message.
Eala’s Tennis Journey and Achievements
Eala described the award as a reflection of tennis’s progress in the Philippines. She stated, “This award means so much to me because it serves as a reflection of how far tennis has really come in our country.” Her accolades include a gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and an impressive run on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour.
Historic Campaign at the Miami Open
One highlight of Eala’s breakout year was her performance at the Miami Open. As a wildcard entry, she managed to reach the semifinals, enhancing her profile significantly. During this campaign, she achieved several notable victories:
- Defeated former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the second round.
- Upset Australian Open winner Madison Keys, ranked fifth globally, in the third round.
- Stunned world no. 2 Iga Swiatek, a five-time grand slam champion, in the quarterfinals.
These victories propelled Eala from the 140th ranking to 75th and eventually reached a career-high ranking of 40th just last week.
Recognition and Future Aspirations
At just 20 years old, Eala feels honored to share the Athlete of the Year title with 25-year-old Yulo. She conveyed her regrets for not attending the ceremony and congratulated Yulo on their shared achievement. Eala expressed gratitude to her family, team, and fellow Filipinos for their unwavering support.
As Eala continues her journey in tennis, her achievements mark a significant milestone in the sport’s growth in the Philippines. Her recognition at the PSA Awards symbolizes not only her personal success but also the rising prominence of tennis in her home country.
