Just In: Filipino Fans Feel Excited as Alex Eala Agrees to Her First Sponsorship Deal Following Her Breakout Canadian Open Run
Alex Eala has already landed her first lucrative sponsorship deal after the Canadian Open.
Eala’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent weeks, with the 21-year-old becoming the first Filipina to win a WTA singles title when she beat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 in the Washington Open final on August 3.
The youngster’s fanbase has also been a talking point, with Eala heavily supported by fans waving Philippine flags during her matches.
On August 6, Eala got off to a positive start at the Canadian Open, beating Alycia Parks 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 in the round of 64 before continuing her winning streak against Caty McNally in the round of 32.
But her tournament came to an end against Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic on August 10. And despite exiting the tournament, Eala further enhanced her reputation and fanbase while also pocketing £60,676 in prize money for her efforts in Toronto.
Eala lands lucrative sponsorship after Canadian Open
Meanwhile, Eala has also been appointed the face of Marriott Bonvoy’s Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) edition of the Tennis The World campaign.
But it’s not just the luxury travel provider that has teamed up with the rising star, as Nike has also agreed a clothing deal.
She also has existing sponsorships with Globe Telecom, Babolat, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Milo Philippines and Locally Juice.
Eala returns to action at the Cincinnati Open, which commences on August 13, entering the tournament as the 17th seed. The Filipina will also take part in the US Open later in August, although first she will take a well-deserved break.
Speaking after her defeat against Bencic, she explained: “I definitely will take maybe two days off, a day or two. I do have to travel to Cincinnati. I need to get a haircut. I haven’t gotten a haircut in a while. My nails are grown out.
“So, yeah, I’ll do a couple things, just to get my mind off tennis. I think Toronto’s a great place to do that. Yeah, reunite maybe with some friends in Cincinnati, and just try to have fun.
“I’ll be back on court like that, so I got to enjoy what [time off] I have. I got to enjoy the time that I have that I’m not on court.”
