Alex Eala of the Philippines waves to fans from her player’s chair after her match against Jessica Pegula of the United States in a women’s singles semifinal on day ten of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine sports community, led by Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, hailed Alex Eala’s dream run in the 2025 Miami Open.
Eala, who turned heads in her best Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 1000 outing yet by taking down three Grand Slam champions, had the country rallying behind her during the live telecast of her semifinal game against World No. 4 Jessica Pegula of the United States on Friday (Manila time).
The 19-year-old Filipino ace gave the home bet all she could handle before her Cinderella story came to an end in a 6(3)-7, 7-5, 3-6 loss.
READ: Alex Eala looks every bit the winner after Miami Open exit
Despite falling short, Petecio, a two-time Olympic boxer, praised Eala by posting an old picture of them.
“Congratulations, champ (Alex Eala). Lakas,” wrote Nesthy Petecio, who finished with silver and bronze medals in the past two Olympic games.
Diaz, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics weightlifting gold medalist, also shared congratulatory art cards of Eala.
Pole vault star and Olympian EJ Obiena also lauded the Rafael Nadal Academy product, who showed tremendous grace despite the tough three-set defeat.
Obiena even shared a conversation with Filipino netter Francis Casey Alcantara, Eala’s partner in their Asian Games bronze medal run in the mixed doubles two years ago, believing the young athlete would win it all.
READ: Alex Eala earns praise from Jessica Pegula after Miami Open battle
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao also commended Eala, following her achievement of becoming just the second wildcard to get three consecutive wins over Grand Slam champions at a single WTA event.
“You may not have made the finals, but you won the hearts of the world, Alex Eala! The whole nation is proud. This is just the beginning,” said the former eight-division world boxing champion. “Keep fighting and inspiring. You’ve shown the heart of a true champion. Laban lang! The future is bright for you. Proud na proud kami sa’yo!“
TNT coach Chot Reyes took time to watch the thrilling Miami Open match hours before Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Barangay Ginebra.
“What a fight! Bravo Alex Eala! To extend the world No. 4 is just the beginning. Tennis has a new icon,” the wrote the former Gilas Pilipinas coach, who went on to steer the Tropang Giga to their 11th championship following an 87-83 overtime win
Philippine football star Neil Etheridge shared on X that he can’t remember the last time he was so nervous watching a different sport.
READ: Alex Eala earns biggest purse of her career with Miami Open run
But it was worth it for the goalkeeper as Eala became the first Filipino to reach the semis of a WTA 1000 tournament and take down the top two and top 5 players since the WTA Tour rankings for women’s tennis were published in 1975.
“Had a whole nation cheering for you.. on the edge of their seats. You have made everyone so proud,” wrote Etheridge.
“Take it all in, accept and acknowledge all the love you’re getting right now… Such a bright future ahead, which we all can’t wait to see.”
Sportsman Mikee Romero and his daughter Mandy, the owner of Capital1 women’s volleyball and football clubs, were seen cheering for Eala with other Filipinos in Miami. The Romeros even met Eala after the game.
Volleyball stars, basketball players, and other athletes also expressed gratitude for Eala’s inspiring run.