3 weeks ago
Eala's historic WTA title sparks tennis frenzy in Philippines
Alexandra Eala is a 21-year-old tennis player from the Philippines.
She just did something no one from her country had ever done before—she won a big professional tennis title.
The tournament was called the Mubadala DC Open, and it happened in Washington DC.
Before this, most people in the Philippines watched basketball and boxing, not tennis.
Now, everyone is cheering for Alexandra and watching her matches.
The President of the Philippines even threw a party for her at his palace.
Kids are filling up the tennis courts in Manila to learn the sport.
Alexandra started playing with her grandfather Bob, who taught her when she was little.
He passed away, but she still remembers him every time she wins.
Many famous tennis players say she is one of the most exciting players in the world.
Alexandra Eala, 21, became the first Filipino to win a WTA title by triumphing at the Mubadala DC Open in Washington DC.
She reached the round of 16 at Wimbledon last June and is ranked No. 20 in the world.
President Ferdinand Marcos hosted a reception in her honour at Malacanang Palace in Manila, and thousands welcomed her home.
Tennis courts in Manila are now crowded with new players, and the tournament director reported that at least 80% of ticket requests ask when Eala plays.
Manny Pacquiao, Greg Rusedski, and Andy Roddick have praised her, with Rusedski calling her 'the most exciting player on the WTA Tour.'
- Who
- Alexandra Eala, a 21-year-old Filipina tennis player ranked 20th in the world
- What
- Became the first Filipino to win a WTA title at the Mubadala DC Open, sparking a tennis boom in the Philippines
- Where
- Mubadala DC Open in Washington DC; homecoming celebrations in Manila, Philippines
- When
- After reaching the round of 16 at Wimbledon last June; the DC Open win and homecoming celebrations followed recently
- Why
- Her historic success and fearless playing style inspired a country that previously preferred basketball and boxing to embrace tennis
Key facts
- Athlete
- Alexandra Eala
- Age
- 21
- World ranking
- No. 20
- Historic achievement
- First Filipino to win a WTA title
- Winning tournament
- Mubadala DC Open, Washington DC
- Wimbledon finish
- Round of 16 (last June)
- Training academy
- Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy, Manacor (scholarship from 2018)
- Ticket demand
- At least 80% of DC Open ticket requests asked when Eala plays
Quotes
Manny Pacquiao
Filipino boxing legend and national sports icon
“She’s becoming a national hero. Everyone is starting to stop what they’re doing and tune in to watch her matches. I don’t miss any of her games.”
indianexpress.com
“She is fearless, she takes the ball early, she is a lefty. Her mentality is so good and so strong.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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