SAD NEWS: Mrs. Rizza Maniego-Eala, the mother of tennis star Alex Eala, has revealed the heartbreaking reason behind her daughter’s decision to retire at the end of the 2026 season — news that has left fans devastated.
Alex has been quietly struggling with a recurring back injury that has worsened over time, forcing her to play through unbearable pain. Despite her efforts to hide it, the toll became visible, especially during her recent matches where every movement seemed to bring agony.
What made it even harder for Eala was the wave of harsh criticism following her defeats. Many fans, unaware of her condition, accused her of losing focus or motivation. Those words, sharper than any injury, cut deep into the young athlete’s heart.
“She cried so many nights,” her mother revealed. “Not because of the pain alone, but because she felt she was letting everyone down. But she never wanted pity — only understanding.”
Through tears, Mrs. Eala explained how Alex tried multiple treatments, traveling between specialists, hoping for a miracle that never came. “Every morning she would wake up and say, ‘Just one more match, Mama. I can still do it.’”
But by mid-2026, doctors gave her an ultimatum — stop playing or risk permanent damage to her spine. It was the sentence no athlete ever wants to hear, especially one whose life has been defined by passion and competition.
Eala’s upcoming tournaments will now mark her farewell tour, a bittersweet journey where every swing may be her last. “She wants to say goodbye on her own terms,” her mother said. “Not in silence, but with gratitude.”
Fans and fellow athletes across the world have already begun to flood social media with messages of love and support, calling her “a warrior with a golden heart.” Even critics have softened, realizing the courage behind her quiet suffering.
While her retirement marks the end of one chapter, it also opens a new one. Sources close to the family hint that Eala plans to dedicate her future to helping young athletes, especially those struggling with injuries and mental health challenges.
“She wants to give back,” Mrs. Eala said. “Because she knows what it’s like to stand on the court alone, fighting pain that no one else can see.”
In the hours following the announcement, the tennis community fell into a deep silence. The Women’s Tennis Association released an emotional statement praising Eala’s legacy, calling her “an athlete who carried both humility and heroism in every match she played.”
Former champions such as Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, and Ons Jabeur shared heartfelt tributes online, recalling Eala’s kindness behind the scenes — a player who always stopped to cheer for others even after her own losses. “She never made the game about herself,” Gauff wrote. “She made it about the spirit of tennis.”
Sponsors and fans across the Philippines have also announced plans to organize a farewell charity event in Manila, celebrating Eala’s journey from a young prodigy to an international symbol of perseverance. The event is expected to raise funds for youth training programs and injury recovery research — a cause that now carries deeper meaning than ever.
As her mother reflected on their journey, she said softly, “Alex was never afraid to lose. What she feared most was not being able to play.”
In her final message to fans, Alex Eala wrote: “This isn’t goodbye. It’s a promise that I’ll keep fighting — just in a different way.”
Alex Eala’s story is not one of defeat — it’s one of strength, resilience, and grace under pressure. Her decision to retire may break hearts, but it also reminds the world that even the brightest stars sometimes need to rest before they can shine again.
