“I Just Want to Make Them Proud” — Filipino Fans Left in Shock as Alex Eala Makes a Shocking Revelation About What Would Make Her Satisfied With Her Career in Ten Years
Many tennis players have high aspirations when they arrive on the professional tour.
They dream about Grand Slam titles, the world No. 1 ranking and long careers, but staying patient, confident and persistent is important.
Alexandra Eala is still only 21, but many predict a big career for the Filipina. Her skills are one reason, while the huge support she receives from Filipino fans has made her one of the most followed young players on the WTA Tour.
Eala has moved quickly in the rankings and is now world No. 18. She comes to the US Open with more attention than she had one year ago and with expectations that are higher.
Still, when she was asked to look ten years into the future, Eala did not mention a number of Grand Slam tournament titles or a certain ranking. Her answer was much simpler.
“In ten years, I’d be satisfied if I gave my best and had fun while doing it,” Eala said.
Eala has always taken tennis seriously
Before speaking about the next ten years, the young Filipina looked back at the beginning of her tennis story.
“Well, I’ve always been so serious about tennis, and I’ve loved tennis for the longest time, and I think when I started playing, it was already very rigorous, so I had a lot of hours, even at a very young age,” Eala said.
“So it was always kind of professional for me. And I never really saw myself doing anything else, and luckily, the results came quite early and at a good time.”
Those results have arrived faster over the last two seasons. Eala became the first Filipina to reach the top 20 after winning the Washington title earlier this month. It is almost unnecessary to say how many positive reactions her success has brought, not only in the Philippines but also around the world.
Her road to that trophy was not easy. She beat Zheng Qinwen, Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula, with several of those players having already played Grand Slam finals or spent time inside the top 10.
The left-hander reached the fourth round at Wimbledon this summer. She defeated defending champion Iga Swiatek during that run and again became part of tennis history in the Philippines. A win against such top players certainly gives you the needed confidence, that moment when you realize that you can compete with the best players in this sport.
The young tennis player has never hidden her strong connection with the Philippines, the country where she was born and where she took her first steps in tennis.
Eala has repeatedly stressed how much playing for her country means to her.
“For me to be able to represent the Philippines in Wimbledon, and in the biggest stages in the world, it means so much to me,” she said during Wimbledon.
Her rise has created more pressure. Crowds follow her practices, Filipino flags appear at tournaments around the world and her matches receive attention on social media.
The US Open is another big tournament where fans expect a lot. Last year, Eala came back from 5-1 down in the deciding set to beat Clara Tauson and became the first Filipino player in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam main-draw singles match.
Greg Rusedski expects a lot from Eala
Former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski is one of the experts who believes Eala can make a big step in New York.
The former world No. 4 spoke about her results, mentality and chances at the US Open. He believes the Filipina already has something that cannot easily be taught.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s in the quarters or semis. She’s that good. I think the mentality is second to none,” Rusedski said on his Off Court With Greg Rusedski podcast.
“I look between the ears, having coached and worked on tour in the men’s and the women’s, the most important thing, cause everybody can play, but it’s a swagger, it’s the belief, it’s in between the ears, it’s the intensity.”
Rusedski then went further while explaining what he likes about the 21-year-old.
“She goes tick, tick, tick, tick, tick in all boxes. I mean, she must be a dream to work with, so as a coach and as somebody who watches, she is special, and I think she could have a deep run, and I would be surprised if she doesn’t get into the quarters. She’s that good.”
The Briton also believes Eala enjoys the attention that comes with playing on the biggest courts.
“I think she loves the big stage, there’s certain players who love walking on Arthur Ashe Stadium, who like to play on the big stadiums, who want to be on the big stadiums.
“That’s what I feel with Eala; that she wants to be there, and she will get her success because of all the work she does.
