Alex Eala’s Wimbledon Run Sparks Tennis Boom

For many Filipinos, the rise of tennis remains a challenge tied to money and access. Courts are often found in wealthier areas, rackets and gear are costly, and one hour of court time in Manila can run about 2,000 pesos, according to the report. Tennis coach Jovy Barce described starting out as a ball boy in Caloocan, later teaching himself with a found racket and very little support. He said he worked jobs, relied on a scholarship, and eventually built a coaching career from almost nothing.

Eala’s background has drawn some criticism because she trained at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain and comes from a well-off family. She has brushed that off, saying critics overlook the work she has put in. Her homecoming still drew fans, sponsors and mall events in Metro Manila, while parents and children traveled from nearby provinces to catch a glimpse of her. One 11-year-old fan said he hoped to become the next Alex Eala or Rafael Nadal and represent the Philippines one day.

The surge in interest has also exposed the country’s limits. Urban planner Felino Palafox said Metro Manila’s lack of space makes building more courts difficult, even as basketball courts appear in nearly every village. Eala is now preparing for the US Open in August, while Torrecampo and other young players keep grinding in the hope that one breakthrough can open the door for many more. The bigger message is simple: when opportunity reaches ordinary families, more Filipino kids can dare to dream.