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Alexandra Eala sparks tennis interest in the Philippines

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 3:04 AM

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Alexandra Eala sparks tennis interest in the Philippines

Summary

Alexandra Eala's rise in tennis has ignited a significant increase in the sport's popularity within the Philippines. Children are flocking to local courts, many made of unique crushed seashells, eager to emulate the success of Eala, now ranked 20th in the WTA. Sales of tennis racquets have surged, with reports of a 66 percent increase in beginner racquets at Decathlon stores. This grassroots enthusiasm is complemented by plans for new tennis facilities, including a National Tennis Centre near Manila, fostered by a growing number of young players inspired by Eala's achievements.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Eala ranks 20th in WTA after winning her first title.
•Sales of beginner racquets up 66% at Decathlon in the Philippines.
•Parents are enrolling children in tennis, hoping for more stars.
•PhilTA plans to build a National Tennis Centre near Manila.
•Current tennis facilities are mostly unique shells courts.

Latest Updates

3:04 AMYahoo Sports — 'I want to be Eala': Philippine sensation sparks tennis boom at home

What they're saying

"
On a Manila court made of crushed seashells, an earnest four-year-old sends a forehand sailing wide –- one of dozens of kids aiming to follow in the footsteps of the Philippines' first homegrown tennis sensation, Alexandra Eala.Many are shell courts unique to the Philippines -- a mix of crushed seashells, sand and clay that cost less to build and maintain than red clay.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

ATP Tennis