In a jaw-dropping press conference held in Manila, rising Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala made a stunning announcement that could forever change the landscape of tennis in the Philippines. Eala, known for her remarkable achievements in the sport, revealed plans to not only focus on her career but to also revolutionise tennis in her homeland. Alongside her parents, Mr. Michael Eala and Mrs. Rosemarie “Rizza” Maniego-Eala, she announced the creation of the Eala Tennis Foundation—the first professional tennis academy in the country.
Eala’s career has reached new heights in 2025, with a remarkable top 50 ranking in the WTA and her first grand slam title at the US Open Junior Championship. She also stunned the world with her incredible run at the Miami Open, where she triumphed over tennis heavyweights such as Madison Keys and Paula Badosa. But despite her stellar success, Eala made it clear that her journey was about more than personal triumphs.
“I love tennis, but I can’t continue alone anymore,” Eala tearfully stated during the press conference. “Today, my parents and I decided: We will establish Eala Tennis Foundation—the first professional tennis academy in the Philippines, and my parents will be directly involved!” This revelation shocked both her fans and the entire Asian tennis community, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
The decision to create the Eala Tennis Foundation is a bold move that aims to address a critical gap in the Philippines’ tennis infrastructure. For years, Filipino players have struggled to compete on the international stage due to a lack of professional training facilities. Eala, recognising this challenge, has taken it upon herself to create a space where young, talented Filipino players can be nurtured and developed.
“I want to give back to the sport that has given me so much,” Eala shared. “The foundation will focus not only on developing tennis skills but also on creating a supportive environment for players to grow, both on and off the court.” The Eala Tennis Foundation promises to be more than just an academy—it’s a vision for the future of Philippine tennis.
Eala’s announcement also highlights the pivotal role her parents, Michael and Rizza, will play in the foundation’s success. The couple has been by Alexandra’s side since her early days at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, providing unwavering support as she pursued her tennis dreams.
In their new role, both parents will bring their expertise and passion for the sport to the academy. Michael, a former tennis coach, and Rizza, a dedicated supporter of her daughter’s career, are excited to contribute to the development of future Filipino tennis stars. The collaboration of the Eala family promises to provide a strong foundation for the academy’s success.
The launch of the Eala Tennis Foundation is set to have far-reaching effects on the Philippine tennis scene. By offering professional training and access to world-class facilities, the foundation will provide young players the tools they need to compete internationally. It also opens the door for greater investment in the sport, as more Filipino athletes pursue tennis as a viable career path.
As Eala’s announcement reverberates across Asia and beyond, it’s clear that her decision marks the dawn of a new era for tennis in the Philippines. The foundation’s impact is expected to inspire a generation of athletes who may have otherwise lacked the resources to chase their tennis dreams.
For Alexandra Eala, the creation of the Eala Tennis Foundation represents a deeper commitment to her country and her sport. By stepping away from the spotlight to focus on developing the next generation of Filipino tennis players, Eala is determined to leave a lasting legacy in the world of tennis. Her passion, combined with her family’s dedication, will undoubtedly shape the future of Philippine tennis for years to come.
Eala’s decision to take on this new challenge demonstrates not only her growth as a player but also as a visionary leader. As the foundation takes shape, the world will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this bold initiative transforms the landscape of tennis in the Philippines.
