Breakout Filipino tennis star Alex Eala on Singapore, fame and inspiring young Asian women

Ahead of the Singapore Tennis Open, 21-year-old Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala reflects on her growing fame, her connection to Singapore, and the inspiration she provides to young women across Asia. Eala reached a career-high world No. 18 ranking last month and won the Washington Open, becoming the first Filipino to claim a WTA Tour singles title. She also made history at Wimbledon by advancing to the fourth round, the first Filipino to do so in the Open Era.

Eala is currently back in Singapore for the Singapore Tennis Open, which takes place from September 21 to 27 at the OCBC Arena at The Kallang. Eala is an official brand ambassador for Marriott Bonvoy, a hotel chain's loyalty and travel rewards program.

During a recent interview at The NCO Club at JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, Eala discussed the challenges of navigating stardom and the importance of setting boundaries. She emphasized that at 21, she is still growing and learning about herself. Eala also mentioned that she has become more selective about the information she consumes from social media, valuing criticism but ignoring unsolicited opinions.

Singapore holds a special place in Eala's heart, as she competed in the WTA Future Stars event there in 2016 and 2017. The city-state also has a significant Filipino community, and her relatives often visit when she is in town. Eala finds comfort in the close-knit Southeast Asian culture and the sense of community it provides. When discussing a less serious Southeast Asian dilemma, she chose durian over balut, a popular Filipino street food.

Eala credits Chinese tennis great Li Na as a major inspiration growing up, noting the power of seeing successful individuals from similar backgrounds. Now, Eala serves as a source of representation for young Filipinos and women in Asia, connecting with supporters who appreciate her accomplishments.