Alex Eala puts enjoying tennis ahead of chasing trophies

Instead of chasing Grand Slam titles, the tennis phenom focuses on enjoying the game.

For Alex Eala, success in tennis is not only measured in trophies.

Asked at a recent press conference where she sees herself a decade from now, the Filipino tennis star didn’t point to a specific number of Grand Slam titles. Instead, Eala offered a more grounded vision: simply knowing she “gave it my best, worked hard, and had fun.”

Asked why enjoying the journey mattered so much, Eala pointed to the reality of living a dream she once could only imagine.

“I think it would be such a shame if I didn’t do my best to enjoy,” Eala said. “There are so many people who are showing love for me, and all the other players.”

She then recalled dreaming about playing on the sport’s biggest stages as a child.

“When you’re dreaming when you’re a little kid, you don’t know if you’re actually gonna do it,” she said. “Now I’m actually here. It would be a big shame if I didn’t enjoy what I had.”

Her perspective resonated with Filipino fans, with one calling Eala “a gift to the Philippines, WTA, and Tennis” and praising how good it feels to watch her play and hear her speak.

Another fan said Eala is a strong role model for young people for “doing her best and having fun while achieving her dream,” while another noted that focusing less on awards could ease the pressure surrounding every win and loss.

The tennis phenom recently won the Mubadala DC Open (WTA 500) in August 2026 by defeating world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the final.

Eala is currently competing at the 2026 US Open in New York, where she advanced to the second round (Round of 64) following a dominant 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mary Stoiana.

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