Winnipeg Filipino tennis community growing amid Eala-mania
From dawn to dusk, the Garden City tennis courts are filled with more people taking up a racquet. Part of the reason is a 21-year-old tennis star inspiring the Filipino community.
Winnipeg's Filipino tennis community is experiencing a surge in interest, driven by the success of Alexandra Eala, a 21-year-old Filipino tennis star who recently became the first Filipina to win a Women's Tennis Association Championship. Eala made history with her victory at the National Bank Open in Toronto on August 3rd, sparking a wave of enthusiasm among the Filipino community in Winnipeg.
Jowen Sangalang, president of the Winnipeg North Sports Group, noted the significant impact Eala has had on his community. "Everybody's playing now because of her. The impact is so big. Everyone is just so proud to be Filipino," he remarked. Edj Villamar, a member of the Winnipeg North Sports Group, echoed similar sentiments. "In our community there’s a lot of ‘I want to be Eala. I want to be Alex,'" he said.
The growing number of players can be seen at local tennis courts from dawn to dusk, with many individuals inspired to take up the sport following Eala's remarkable achievement.
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