Alex Eala: First Filipino to Win Junior Grand Slam Singles Title

History was made as Alex Eala became the first Filipino to win a tennis junior Grand Slam after taking the crown at the 2022 US Open girls singles competition

Last Saturday, September 10, history was made at the US Open.

Alexandra "Alex" Eala claimed a stunning victory over World No. 3 Lucie Havlickova of the Czech Republic by 6-2, 6-4, at the 2022 US Open girls singles competition in Flushing Meadows, New York. With this win, No. 10 seed Eala became the first Filipino to win a grand slam singles championship.

At only 17 years of age, Eala put on a remarkable performance against Havlickova where she kept calm under pressure.

In a tearful trophy presentation, an emotional Eala dedicated her title win to the future of Philippine tennis. “Buong puso ko itong ipinaglaban, hindi lang para sa sarili ko kundi para makatulong din ako sa kinabukasan ng Philippine tennis. So hindi lang ‘to panalo ko, panalo natin ‘to,” (I fought for this [title] wholeheartedly, not just for myself but to also help the future of Philippine tennis. This isn’t just my victory, it’s our victory,") she said.

A wildcard entry to the 2018 Roland Garros Junior Championships, Eala accepted a scholarship wherein she was able to train with other tennis greats from all over Europe. Also, 2021 Tatler Asia's Most Influential honoured Eala and partner Oksana Selekhmateva previously won the French Open girls’ doubles title, giving Eala her second Grand Slam championship.

The previous best finish in the competition by a Filipino athlete was in the semifinals, by Felix Barrientos at the 1985 Wimbledon. This feat was then matched by Eala at the 2020 Roland Garros and this year's US Open. Eala also made history just last month when she went on to become the highest ranked Filipino on the Women's Tennis Association Tour at World No. 208, far surpassing the No. 284 rank achieved by Maricris Fernandez-Gentz in 1999.

NOW READ

Padel vs Tennis: What's the Difference?

Top of The Heap: The Best of Manila's Specialised Fitness Centres

Bright Lights: 7 Athletes Who Brought Pride to the Philippines this 2021