Improved fitness key to Eala’s strong year

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FILIPINO tennis hotshot Alex Eala is certainly having a breakout year in 2025.

The 20-year-old has beaten former and current Grand Slam champs like Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys, and Jelena Ostapenko.

Eala also made history as the first Philippine player to reach a WTA tournament final at the Eastbourne Open last month, and the first Filipina to play in Wimbledon earlier this month.

Ranked 56th in the world, Eala said in a meet-and-greet at The Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City on Friday that her improved fitness played a key role in her strong year so far.

“This year things really clicked, especially my fitness,” said Eala, who is set for her US Open debut next month.

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“I’m more fit now; I could last longer on the court, and I’m able to sustain my level of play for longer periods of time. That’s why I can hang with these top players. The movement is also part of that; the forehand, the little adjustments work.”

The 5-foot-9 lefty netter also touched on how playing against top-tier players helped her improve her game and confidence.

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“One lesson I learned from them is what I learned from myself when I play them. I learned my things, I learned what keeps me going, I learned how to manage my nerves, and I learned to be great and channel the boss, try to be the boss on the court.”

Currently on vacation, Eala swings back into action in Canada, where she will compete at the National Bank Open set from July 26 to Aug. 7 as part of her preparation for the US Open, where she guns for her first Grand Slam win.

“There is still a lot for me to achieve,” said Eala.

“There are a lot of big tournaments lined up, not just in the US Open,” she said. “I hope to play well there and, of course, try to get that first Grand Slam win. After that, I’ll be circling back to Asia.”

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