Alex Eala: ‘My Family Should Take Credit For The Foundation They Laid Out’

Alexandra Eala is having the time of her life at the Miami Open.

The 19-year-old Filipina tennis sensation became the first Filipino woman to reach the last eight of a WTA 1000 tournament after pulling off the biggest win of her career when she defeated world number two and five-time Grand Slam champion, Polish Iga Swiatek, achieving a semi-final slot. She earned a place in the quarterfinals after a walkover when Spain’s Paula Badosa pulled out with a lower back injury and after defeating Australian Open champion Madison Keys. Her run made Alex the first Filipina woman to beat a top-10 opponent since the tennis ranking system was established 50 years ago

In an interview, Alex shared, “It’s a big thing to take in, and I feel it’s important for me to take it in step by step. I’m so super proud of what I was able to accomplish, but it definitely fuels me more.”

Moreover, she admits to recognizing her wins even as she prepares for her next match, saying, “I know and it’s in my mind that I have a next match, but I need to stop, and I need to recognize that what I did today was really amazing. I think my reaction on court, you know, sums up pretty much how I feel about it.”

Alex trained at the Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy. She was offered a scholarship after winning the Le Petits As as a 12-year-old and started living at the academy at 13. She graduated from the academy last year. While the tennis icon’s academy significantly shaped her tennis career, Alex never fails to acknowledge her family. “The academy has been my home for the past seven years. Of course, my family should take credit for the foundation that they laid out before they sent me here,” she said.

“But of course, the academy was able to build on that foundation in such a way that I’m able to be where I am now. And I think the combination of everything that I’ve been through since I started tennis is what led to this moment and what has led to me having all these opportunities,” Alex added.

Alex’s family

In a previous interview, Alex credits her dad, Mike, for her accomplishments, saying he’s “a great role model.”

“He is the best dad I could ask for and of course, everything I do, and all my wins, I dedicate to them (parents),” she said. “I think that both of my parents have invested so much into me as a person and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without all their work and all the effort that they put into (it).”

Of course, just like any parent, Mike Eala is very proud of everything Alex and her brother, Miko, have accomplished.

“We’re also proud of what Alex has been able to achieve for the past two Grand Slams, as well as Miko doing well in Penn State,” he said. Miko is playing tennis for Pennsylvania State University in the United States.

In another interview, he talks about supporting Alex after a match: “The wins are obviously easier to talk about. The losses are more challenging. Usually I give her a hug and a ‘good fight’ comment. Then I take the cue from her.”

Mike also acknowledged the fans’ support, saying, “It’s very humbling and surprising at how the Filipinos have grabbed on to Alex’s journey. It’s also inspiring to see that Alex is able to make this positive effect on these people and we’re very grateful.”

Moreover, Mike emphasizes that raising achievers like Alex and Miko is a family effort: “For things to work out the way they have (worked out), it can’t be just the father’s job or the mother’s. It’s a team effort.”

How parents can support their young athletes

With more and better opportunities these days, more and more kids are getting into sports. Whether tennis, football, basketball, or gymnastics, parents play a significant role in nurturing children’s performance and personal development through their sporting careers, whatever scale it might be. Smart Parenting previously featured several parents who were aware of their role in fostering the right attitude in their young athletes towards the sport they play. Here are a few tips:

Follow your child’s lead

Calvin Isaguirre’s parents, Paula and Christian, shared that they discovered Calvin’s passion for swimming when they initially enrolled him in basic survival classes. His talent for it soon became evident after just a year of training; the then 7-year-old began scooping up medals in competitions. “As a dad, I wanted Calvin to share my interest in cars, but then I learned that it’s important for the child to discover where his passion lies,” Christian said.

Encourage them by listening

Losing is inevitable in any sport; kids can eventually tire of training or competing. When they do, Paula emphasizes that parents should support and encourage their kids by listening to them: “On the days they get tired, want to skip training, or feel a little low after losing, let them rest. It allows us as parents to listen to them and offer encouragement. Eventually, they will regain energy, and they will be the ones to tell you when they are ready to train and compete again.”

Guide them

Earl Mendoza and Jaz Lanuza guided their daughter, Brianna, throughout her journey of discovering and excelling in gymnastics and cheerleading. They shared that after dabbling in several sports, Brianna eventually found her passion, and they talked and guided her throughout her journey. “Cheerleading requires the foundation of stunts, and that’s the value we discovered in Brianna practicing gymnastics. While it was Brianna’s choice to try out for the team, when she came home, we asked her how her tryouts went and talked about what help she needed.”

Protect them from worries and injuries

Participating in sports carries with it the risk of injuries. So it’s essential for Jaz to constantly check in on her daughter and listen to her, sharing that she asks her, “Do you really want to continue?” or “Do you want to change sports?” Doing so gives children a reality check and ensures they feel safe to voice out any worries or fears at any time.

Read here for five facts about Alex Eala.