'I want to be Eala': Philippine sensation sparks tennis boom at home

In Manila, a crushed seashell court serves as the stage for young Alexandra Eala, the Philippines' first homegrown tennis sensation. Eala's ascent has ignited a surge of enthusiasm for tennis, a sport usually associated with the wealthy in a country renowned for basketball, boxing, and cockfighting. Racquet sales have surged, and securing court time has become a challenge due to the high demand from eager young players.

Eala's impact extends beyond attracting spectators; she has inspired a new generation of players. The Philippine Tennis Association (PhilTA) executive director Tonette Mendoza noted that parents are encouraged to give their children the opportunity to become the next Eala. A photograph of Eala diving for a ball at Wimbledon's Centre Court was the catalyst for nine-year-old Mayumi Stevens to aspire to follow in Eala's footsteps.

Decathlon, a French sporting goods retailer, has capitalized on Eala's popularity by updating its displays and social media content to reflect the current interest in the sport. The country's tennis infrastructure is limited, with fewer than 1,000 courts scattered across the archipelago. Many of these courts are unique shell courts built from crushed seashells, sand, and clay.

PhilTA estimates that Eala is the sole ranked Filipino female tennis player, and most top Filipino players have pursued international opportunities, often studying in the United States before returning to coach. To meet the growing demand, local governments are working to construct hardcourts and multipurpose facilities to accommodate various sports.