How Alex Eala Turned the Philippines Into a Tennis Nation
A December homecoming match could break tennis’s attendance record.
Alex Eala, a 21-year-old Filipino tennis player, has taken the sport by storm, filling the world's tennis stadiums with over 11 million overseas Filipinos. Her rise to the top has been unprecedented, as no other Filipina had previously made the top 250, and she is already ranked in the top 20. Eala's impact extends beyond just selling out stadiums, as she has influenced the Philippine government's perspective on the sport.
With more than 117 million Filipinos in their home country, Eala's presence is felt through full tennis courts and young girls aspiring to be the next Filipina tennis star. The Philippine Tennis Association's executive director, Tonette Mendoza, highlights Eala's role in changing the government's view on the sport, making it easier to secure funding for facilities like a regional tennis center.
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