By Ma. Angelica Demegillo
Tennis wunderkind Alexandra “Alex” Eala makes history as the first Filipino to win the junior Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open Girls Singles tournament held at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. The 17-year-old netter defeated Lucie Havlickova of the Czech Republic in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, in the US Open final Saturday afternoon (Sunday morning, Manila time) to clinch the title.
In her acceptance speech during the 2022 US Open Juniors awarding ceremonies, which she delivered in Filipino, Eala expressed gratitude to her family who showed solid support in her tennis journey. She also dedicated the feat to her home country, adding that she fought with her whole heart for the future of Philippine tennis.
“Buong puso ko ‘tong pinaglaban, hindi lang para sa sarili ko kundi para makatulong din ako sa kinabukasan ng Philippine tennis (I fought for this with my whole heart, not just for my self, but to help ensure the future of tennis in the Philippines),” Eala said. “Hindi lang ‘to panalo ko, kundi panalo nating lahat (This victory is not mine alone, but ours to share.)”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the young tennis prodigy for her victory by congratulating Eala and thanking her for bringing honor to the country via Instagram. “It is with an immense sense of pride and joy that I congratulate Alex Eala on her historic win at the US Open Junior Girls’ Singles Championship. Another Filipina has raised our flag, and made our nation proud,” Marcos wrote in the caption. “To Alex, thank you, for the honor you brought us, and we, your kababayans (countrymen), wish you all the best in your journey up ahead. Mabuhay ka!”
Former boxing champ and politician Manny Pacquiao also expressed his appreciation for Eala’s win. “A nation of over a hundred million people take pride in your accomplishment. Keep being an inspiration. Work hard and stay humble. The world has yet to see more of you and what we Filipinos are capable of. Congratulations!” Pacquiao said on Twitter.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Eala is the daughter of former national swimmer Rizza Maniego-Eala and Michael Francis Eala. She moved abroad at the age of 13 after receiving a scholarship offer at the Rafa Nadal Academy.
Prior to her historic final Grand Slam win, she also defeated Canadian Victoria Mboko in the semis, and Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals.
