Alex Eala grateful for support, downplays Pacquiao comparisons

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines reacts after winning a point against Alycia Parks of the U.S. during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala said she’s far from the level of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, but she remains grateful for the unwavering support of Filipinos, both online and inside the venue.

Buoyed by a Filipino-heavy crowd at Melbourne Park, Eala came out strong in her Australian Open main draw debut, sweeping the opening set before losing momentum and struggling to handle the power serves of American Alycia Parks, 6-0, 3-6, 2-6, in a first-round exit.

READ: Alex Eala stays positive after Australian Open 2026 exit

The Filipino tennis ace has enjoyed growing national support since her dream semifinal run at the Miami Open last year, drawing comparisons to Pacquiao, who once brought the entire country to a standstill during his prime.

But Eala was quick to downplay those parallels.

“Oh my God, no, not at all. Manny Pacquiao is different—he’s on another level,” Eala said in Filipino.

“I remember whenever Manny had a fight, it was like a holiday. People wouldn’t go to work, the whole family would be at home, there’d be lechon, popcorn, everything. So I think I’m still a long way from that.”

READ: Even in defeat, Alex Eala proves she’ll need a bigger court next time

Still, the Rafa Nadal Academy graduate hopes to continue inspiring the next generation and helping elevate Philippine tennis.

More than her skills, Eala wants the world to see the Filipino fighting spirit.

“What I want them to take from me, or what I want them to see in me, is someone who fights until the very end. More than my serve, how I move, or how I hit, it’s really about the fight. For me, that’s something you really see in Filipinos—that fighting spirit is what makes us unique,” Eala said.

The 20-year-old, grateful for the support she continues to receive, said she draws strength from both her love for the game and her family.

“I get my fighting strength from my love for tennis. I really love the sport—I love the sound of the ball, I love those tight matches and big, important points. Tennis has taught me so much and has been a huge part of my life. That’s what keeps me going, along with my family,” she said.