MANILA, Philippines — Filipino tennis standout Alex Eala is gearing up for the start of her clay-court campaign as she competes in a tournament in Austria beginning Monday, continuing her steady rise on the international tennis circuit.
Before leaving Miami to prepare for the clay swing in Spain, the 19-year-old athlete reflected on how she manages pressure during matches, revealing that prayer remains one of her most personal routines.
“I pray when I get really nervous,” Eala said during her guest appearance on the tennis podcast The Players’ Box.
The show is hosted by professional players Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, Jennifer Brady and Desirae Krawczyk.
Eala noted that the habit is something she considers distinctly Filipino, recalling how she relied on prayer even more frequently when she was younger.
Another personal routine she mentioned was her strict use of sunscreen, joking that she applies it “religiously.”
Krawczyk, whose mother is Filipino, said the practice sounded familiar.
“When my mom gets stressed, she grabs her rosary and starts praying,” Krawczyk shared during the discussion.
Growing recognition on tour
Eala’s appearance on the podcast came shortly after her campaign at the Miami Open, where she reached the fourth round and further strengthened her reputation as one of the sport’s promising young talents.
She also appeared on the tennis podcast Served with Andy Roddick, hosted by former world No. 1 Andy Roddick, as her profile continues to grow internationally.
Currently ranked around No. 45 in the WTA Tour, Eala remains among the fastest-rising players in women’s tennis.
Her ranking surge began last year after a breakthrough run in Miami in 2025, when she defeated established players including Madison Keys, Jelena Ostapenko and world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.
Life beyond the spotlight
Despite the growing attention surrounding her career, Eala said her daily routine remains largely unchanged.
“My life is still very much about tennis,” she said, noting that training continues to dominate her schedule.
However, the Filipina athlete acknowledged that the biggest adjustment has been increased recognition from fans, especially while traveling to tournaments abroad.
She said she sometimes encounters spectators waiting to watch her practice sessions and has learned to adapt to the added security that occasionally comes with the attention.
A dream in progress
Eala began playing tennis as a young child under the guidance of her grandfather, who introduced her to the sport when she was about three or four years old.
At 13, she moved to Spain after winning a junior tournament in France, eventually training at the Rafa Nadal Academy to further develop her game.
As she prepares for the clay-court stretch of the season, Eala said she remains grateful for the opportunity to compete on the sport’s biggest stages.
“I’m living my dream,” she said. “Being able to play against the best players in the world and experience those moments is something I’ve always wanted.”
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