Alex Eala wants to wear more Filipino designers on the global stage

The Filipina tennis star says she hopes to collaborate with more local designers as fashion becomes another way to celebrate her heritage on the international stage.

Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala hopes to wear more local creations as her global career continues, saying fashion has become another way to celebrate her heritage while competing on the international stage.

Speaking during a Bank of the Philippine Islands-hosted media event in Makati, the tennis star said she has enjoyed incorporating subtle Filipino elements into her outfits as a tribute to her roots and because she genuinely appreciates the artistry behind local design.

“When I wore the sampaguita last year, I felt super beautiful. I felt confident on-court and I was ready to play,” Eala said, referring to Nike’s custom-made hair tie gifted to her prior to her historic Wimbledon main draw debut.

Eala also recalled wearing a Filipiniana gown by her uncle, fashion designer Rhett Eala, at the Laureus World Sports Awards, saying it also made her feel confident.

“I felt like a princess. I do love fashion, and I think as I’m growing older and as I have more events to go to, it’s something that I’ve been tapping into and finding my style,” she added.

The world No. 28 also expressed interest in collaborating with more Filipino designers in the future, adding that she envisions her on-court look as feminine, confident, and with a bit of an edge if given more creative freedom within tennis attire.

Her remarks come as Filipino designers continue gaining international recognition, with celebrities and athletes increasingly using fashion to showcase local craftsmanship on global platforms.

Filipino tennis fans will next see Eala at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan later this year after she confirmed that representing the country remains one of her priorities this year.

READ: