Why We Love Alex Eala
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Alex Eala being interviewed after their doubles win (Photo By Ronald Salazar)
Being there for a kababayan is certainly a distinctly Filipino way of showing support. So, with a growing population of Filipinos in Auckland and all over New Zealand, it was inevitable that a large portion of the audience for that game was Filipino. They made their presence felt, even getting a couple of reminders from the umpire to keep quiet and wait for the rallies to finish before showing audible support.
No doubt, Filipinos from home and the rest of the world were also watching on YouTube and other streaming services. As we are all now so conveniently connected, there was ongoing online commentary offering tips for Alex as the game progressed. That was quite fun as well. But there was nothing like being there to witness such a thrilling game, punctuated by Alex Eala’s strokes of brilliance—matched by those of her worthy opponent.
Alex Eala carries the hopes and dreams of Filipinos all over the world. Although people say she can definitely handle it—no worries, I would not wish that kind of pressure on such a lovely young lady. I would reframe it, though, to say that she embodies what is good, nay, what is great in the Filipino: her grit, determination, grace under pressure, and fun-loving manner as well.
Talking strategy with her doubles partner Iva Jovic (Photo By Ronald Salazar)
We cannot even imagine the hard slog of training, challenges, and hardship she has gone through to get to this level, and we truly recognize the sacrifices she has made. That is another thing we love about Alex. It is apparent that she has put in the hard work, and it is producing excellent results. Rafa Nadal Academy graduate, SEA Games gold medalist, Top 50 ranking—you name it, and so much more. You could say the same of other Filipinos in many different fields. Hers is even more special in that it is on the world stage. She is part of an elite group of athletes who can compete at that level.
Alex Eala unites and inspires. If you were a Filipino working hard in an overseas country, missing home, and Alex Eala was in town to compete, you would wholeheartedly support her. And so would other Filipinos as well. What you end up with is a barangay of like-minded individuals getting behind a rising star, a complete athlete, yet as down-to-earth as ever. Overheard during one of the matches, after she won her first doubles match at the ASB Classic: “Sulit ang leave ko!” (My leave was worth it!).
Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic are match winners of their first doubles match. Quite a few Filipinos are in the crowd watching. (Photo By Ronald Salazar)
She herself acknowledged the support from the Filipino community after winning the match: “It’s so special. If there’s one thing I learned in 2025, it’s that home is the people and not the place.” Wise words from a young, humble superstar.
Alex has endeared herself to non-Filipinos in New Zealand as well, not only with her excellent playing but also with her attitude. After winning her Round of 16 match, the host, suggested she try saying hello in Māori. ‘Kia ora, everyone!’ she gamely acquiesced, to the crowd’s delight and applause. With her enlightening post-match interviews, she is definitely one of our more articulate athletes, dare I say, a fitting ambassador of Philippine sport.
She gives us something to look forward to. After the euphoria of her singles win against Vekic, the barkada (clique) of Pinoys behind us promised, “Bukas ulit!” (Let’s do it again tomorrow!). After the match, my brother Dicky asked me if I was going to Melbourne to watch her play in the Australian Open. I said, you never know—I just might. After all, with Alex playing, taking leave is worth it.
Eala and Donna Vekic compete at their singles match, which Alex won (Photo By Ronald Salazar)
In the same match against Vekic, it was mentioned that a medical timeout was being used, and there were moments when we noticed that Alex Eala might have been experiencing some discomfort. But she pushed on and prevailed. How many times have Filipinos pushed on in adversity despite physical difficulty? That same quality we have witnessed countless times, and especially that evening, in Alex.
Alex Eala in action (Photo By Ronald Salazar)
Alex is about family. Filipino whānau, the host said—the Māori word for family—when referring to the support of Filipinos that night. Previously, we had watched videos of her training with her brother in preparation for her matches, a clear indication of his support as well. Finally, in one of the most touching scenes, right after her victory she went to hug her mom and dad, as well as her coach, who we are sure share in her journey to success. An admirable gesture her wider Filipino family can certainly relate to. All that success and yet respect and love for elders
“It’s so special. If there’s one thing I learned in 2025, it’s that home is the people and not the place.” Wise words from a young, humble superstar.
Yes, Alex Eala makes us show up. In her semifinal against Wang, she fought really hard. She came from behind to win the first set, almost repeated the feat in the deciding set, but eventually bowing out in what was a great match. For that and everything else, we are extremely grateful to her. No matter what the result, though, whether it be in Auckland, in Melbourne for the Australian Open, or in any other country in the world, the Filipino community will be there to support one of their own, cheering with the loudest of voices: ‘Laban, Alex!’. (Fight, Alex!)
Ronald Salazar is a keen observer of the Filipino diaspora and positive expressions of Filipino identity, having moved to New Zealand some thirty years ago. Outside his work as a tech professional, he is a songwriter (FILSCAP member) and leads the Spring of Life Music Ministry in providing choral music service in parishes in and around Wellington, New Zealand.
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