Twenty-one-year-old Alex Eala is currently riding a career high. This summer has seen Eala beat Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon and also win her first WTA title. She’s at a career-best 18th in the world, and she breezed into the second round of the US Open with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mary Stoiana – closing it out with a confident smile.
Fans of Alex Eala show their support after she defeated Caty McNally in the third round of the National Bank Open in Toronto in August. Photo: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images/Reuters
Her victory saw the court – filled with Eala’s fans, many bearing the Philippine flag, erupt into cheers. It was hardly surprising, given the ardent, ever-growing fan base that now surrounds the charismatic tennis star.
Hailing from the Philippines, Eala has become the nation’s pride as its biggest sporting sensation since professional boxer Manny Pacquiao. The Filipino has achieved stardom thanks to her ability to dominate on the court and is reportedly on track to become one of the highest-paid female athletes, per Forbes.
Alex Eala, the Filipino tennis sensation, has sports in her blood. Photo: @alex.eala/Instagram
Instrumental in Alex Eala’s success so far are her supportive parents, Mike and Rizza – here’s everything you need to know about them.
Her father Mike Eala is a prominent corporate executive
Alex Eala has a supportive family behind her tennis success. Photo: @alex.eala/Instagram
Eala comes from a prominent Filipino family. Dad Michael “Mike” Eala is the brother of sports executive Noli Eala, who formerly served as the 11th chairperson of the Philippine Sports Commission and was a commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
There is little information available about Mike, who is reported to be a corporate executive in the Philippines. He made headlines in August when he took to the court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium during the 2026 US Open Fan Week for an impromptu doubles rally with other father-daughter duos.
The proud father has also expressed his support for his daughter calling her a “fast learner” in an interview with the Manila Standard. “She never gets dispirited with every loss; in fact, it makes her stronger and fiercer.”
Her mother Rizza Maniego-Eala is a former competitive swimmer