Pinoy pride is one of the things that immediately unites the nation, and this is often brought by Filipinos making it big in the international stage. When it comes to sports, there is a long list of Filipino athletes that have done the country proud including the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Efren “Bata” Reyes, Carlos Yulo, and the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team. With their innate talents, sheer determination, and iron will, they bring pride to the country, and inspire and create better opportunities for young athletes to also rise to the top of their game.
Photo Credit: Loic Wacziak / FFT
Globe believes that with the right support and motivation, more homegrown athletes can grow into the winning competitors they are capable of being, and someday leave their legacy in their respective sports. One example is 15-year old tennis prodigy and Rafa Nadal Academy scholar, Alex Eala, who is now on her way to her first singles Grand Slam title.
Coming from a successful stint in the 2020 French Open Juniors Tournament, Globe Ambassador Alex Eala truly made history for the country. Her journey towards her first-ever singles Grand Slam title was temporarily delayed due to the impact of the pandemic.
Eala who entered the French Open as 4th in the world junior’s rankings, the highest ever so far by any Filipino tennis player and is also the highest-ranked tennis player in Southeast Asia. Her once-in-a-generation talent was immediately recognized by Globe that has supported Eala’s pursuit of tennis greatness from the tender age of eight years old.
“The Philippines is home to overflowing talent when it comes to sports, which has been proven time and again by local sports legends who also inspired young athletes to pursue sports as their dream. We are very proud of our very own Alex Eala’s achievement in the global arena of tennis, and we hope to support more persevering athletes like her who will bring pride to our country,” said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu.
In her courtesy call last year to Globe, Eala expressed her gratitude to Globe for its unwavering support. “I’m very grateful that they saw the potential in me even at such a young age. Hopefully, they will keep on supporting me throughout the rest of my career,” she said.
Despite being young, Eala has achieved so much already in her career such as being the first Filipino to qualify for a Grand Slam tournament since Jeson Patrombon in 1991 and becoming the first Filipina to win a Grand Slam event after she captured the 2020 Australian Open juniors’ double events with partner Priska Nugroho of Indonesia in January this year.
Did you know that Alex’s tennis idols growing up were current World #2 Simona Halep and five time Grand Slam champion, Maria Sharapova. With her stellar performance in Roland Garros, Alex climbed the singles rankings to become the new Junior World# 2 recognized by ITF.
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Wow! That is such an incredible accomplishment. I find that I only really watch tennis at the Australian Open but it definitely can be a very entertaining sport
She sounds like she’s on her way to becoming a super star. I love watching up and comers.
Its always noce to follow young tallent, especially the once that are working really hard! 🙂
15 and already at a Grand Slam?! We’re going to see her around a lot more in the future. I can’t wait to see her progress.
Wow! What a prodigy! As her co-nation, I’m very proud of her! She already accomplished these many!
That is so awesome! I am glad she has had so much success in the tennis world, and becomes #1!
What so much success at such a young age!
Amazing, she is so young and already achieving so many great things! It is awesome when a whole country is united cheering for their athletes!
shes so fantatsic ! and super talented on her young age ! she will go mega far
I love this article. Nice to know we have same idols and I’m so proud Simona Halep is from my country. We always celebrate her big time 😁❤️
Incredible story. I don’t fallow tenis much, but this is really amazing achievement. And she’s so young.
Alex is an amazing tennis player. So awesome that she climbed the singles rankings to become the new Junior World# 2 recognized by ITF!
Good for her! I hope she takes it all the way to the top!
Glad to be familiar with a sports personality. Hope she achieve more success.
A very proud Filipina here! She is indeed our pride and joy!!! Go Go ALex!!!
Nnnniiiiccceeeeee….I will keenly follow you up, Alex!
It is very important to support talented people, especially young people. I’m glad for this girl.
What a great story, I love watching young tennis players receive support from the sports community.
Such a remarkable lady! Her talent and accomplishments truly need to be celebrated.