17-Year-Old Alex Eala Makes History as First Filipino to Win Grand Slam

Seventeen-year-old Alexandra "Alex" Eala just made history (or should we say herstory?) in Philippine tennis by becoming the first Filipino to bag a grand slam singles championship, as per a report by ABS-CBN News on Sept. 11.

Eala, the No. 10 seed, is the lone Filipino to have two junior doubles grand slam titles under her belt. On Saturday, she won against Czechoslovakia's Lucie Havlickova with a score of 6-2, 6-2 at the US Open Juniors in New York City to bring home the bacon. The competition was held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Eala, a scholar at tennis great Rafale Nadal's Tennis Academy in Spain, could not help but be emotional as she thanked all her supporters.

"Buong puso ko itong ipinaglaban hindi lang para sa sarili ko kundi para makatulong din ako sa kinabukasan ng Philippine tennis. So hindi lang ‘to panalo ko, panalo natin lahat," Eala said during the trophy presentation via the report. (I fought for this with all my heart not just for myself but also for the future of Philippine tennis. So, this is not just my win, this victory is ours).

Eala has documented her journey at the US Open Tennis Championships on social media, posting photos of her fans on her Facebook and Instagram. Yesterday (Sept. 10 in the United States), Eala shared photos of herself posing with her much-deserved trophy.

"Speechless," she said. "I am so grateful. 2022 Girls US Open Champion!!!"

Congratulations, Alex!