Filipinos in Tennis

by Will Espero

The rise of Alexandra Maniego Eala (Alex) in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has brought great pride and joy to millions of Filipinos around the world.

Her standing at #18 in the WTA world rankings is the highest any Filipina or Asian has ever achieved. Some followers of the young athlete believe Alex will become the next superstar in women’s tennis. At the current rate she is going, Alex should be within the top 10 rankings soon.

As of this writing, Alex is currently playing at the United States Open in New York City, and her fan base is excited to see her battle against the best players in women’s tennis. She recently won the Mubadala DC Open in Washington DC by defeating the number 3-ranked women’s tennis player, Jessica Pegula of the United States. With the win, Alex became the first Filipino woman to win a WTA singles match, and it propelled her into the top 20 world rankings.

Everywhere she plays, the 21-year-old tennis sensation brings out a Pinoy fanbase that has been loud and proud at her matches. Tennis organizers have adjusted their plans and games to accommodate Alex’s fans, who have added a new spark and energy to the tennis world. The Filipino flag is waved gloriously at tennis matches in honor of Alex, and her admirers from around the world are enjoying the attention and accolades bestowed upon her.

Alex Eala’s success in the tennis world has made her a role model and hero in the Philippines and with the diaspora around the world. Non-Filipinos are also rooting for Alex as she exudes a friendly, humble personality and individual who is very likeable and approachable. Tennis brands and businesses see her appeal to the masses and expect her sponsorships and endorsements to increase as she continues her historic journey breaking barriers in the tennis world.

With her success, I expect the interest in tennis will increase significantly in the Philippines and with Filipino families around the world. A tennis racquet and a can of tennis balls are affordable to many, with public tennis courts readily available for play, especially here in the United States. Tennis is an excellent form of exercise, and one can play singles or doubles to break a sweat and get in shape.

The future looks exciting for Alex Eala in the tennis world, and I look forward to seeing how far she is able to rise in the tennis rankings. With her youth, determination, and desire, she can become one of the best, if not the best, women’s tennis players in the world. Maybe one day she can come to Hawaii to showcase her skills and talent for us to enjoy.

Another Filipino tennis player who made his first appearance at the 2026 U.S. Open is Andre Llagan. Andre is a Filipino-American from Honolulu who became the first University of Hawaii men’s tennis player to compete in a Grand Slam qualifying event. Andre did defeat Triston Boyer in the first round but lost and was eliminated in the second round.

Andre is a Kalihi boy who graduated from Farrington High School in 2018. He won two state men’s singles tennis championships in 2017 and 2018 before attending the University of Hawaii on a tennis scholarship. During his senior year in 2023, Andre became the first UH men’s tennis player to earn All-American honors.

Congratulations are in order for 25-year-old Andre due to his success and achievement! Hawaii’s Filipinos are proud of his tennis abilities and wish him much luck and success on his tennis journey.

Filipinos in sports usually start at a young age. Whether individual sports or team sports, an interest in any sport is important for the development of our children and youth. Children learn discipline, teamwork, social skills, mental skills, and confidence when learning a game or skill. They learn about sportsmanship and learn that winning and losing are a part of life that can make one better or stronger.

Participation in sports or exercise, whether for children or adults, is key for healthy living. Involvement in an activity or game can build a foundation for a healthy lifestyle and positive results. Active participation and exercise can be as simple as walking around the neighborhood, dancing, a swim at the beach, or riding a bicycle. One does not have to be a professional athlete or hardcore sports nut to be engaged in a healthy, active lifestyle.

We may not become like Alex Eala or Andre Llagan, but we can certainly dream and fantasize about being the best. Who hasn’t?

What’s most important is taking care of ourselves and our loved ones. We are blessed to live in Hawaii with wonderful weather and many outdoor and indoor activities. Physical activity with nutritious food can extend lives and allow us to share and experience precious and cherished moments with our loved ones and friends.

Everyone has a choice. Make the right choice to be the best you can be.

WILL ESPERO retired from the Hawaii legislature after serving 19 years in the state House of Representatives and state Senate. He is currently a novelist, poet, and supporter of the arts. Lingering Thoughts provides a glimpse of his perspective on current events and issues.

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