Alex Eala is a budding star—if she isn’t already. And it’s no surprise that kids and young Filipinos look up to her right now, hoping to follow in her footsteps.
The 21-year-old tennis ace is honored to inspire an entire generation of Filipinos. For her, inspiration is a beautiful thing that people of all ages and from all walks of life can find anywhere—and from anyone, including her.
“It’s an honor to be able to pave the way for young girls. It would be the honor of my life to be able to inspire others,” Eala told reporters at Wimbledon when asked about becoming a role model for so many young Filipinos. “Inspiration is such a beautiful thing. But then again, I want to remind anybody that you can take inspiration from anywhere you want. Anywhere, anyone. If you want to be inspired and if you’re inspired by it, it will just come to you.”
Eala gave Filipinos even more reason to be inspired on Saturday when she became the first Filipina to reach the second week of any Grand Slam, defeating Iga Świątek in their third-round clash at Wimbledon.
Alex Eala Wants You to Blaze Your Own Trail
Eala has embraced her role as a beacon of inspiration, even acknowledging that it helps her become the best version of herself. Still, she insists that kids should blaze their own trail rather than simply follow hers.
“I try to be as authentic as I can. I believe in being genuine, and I believe in my values. This platform I have has really allowed me to self-reflect. It allows me to become the best version of myself because I know a lot of people look up to me,” Eala said. “But then again, I think the main message here is that I don’t want them to look at me and say ‘I want to be the next Alex Eala.’ I want them to look at me and say ‘Wow. I want to be the first me. I want to make my own path.’”
Alex Eala is leading the way for an entire generation. She is showing it can be done.
She will no doubt inspire others to do the same.
