Rising Philippine tennis star Alex Eala was named co-Athlete of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association, sharing the honor with Olympic gymnast Carlos Yulo.
At 20, Eala has achieved several firsts for Philippine tennis, including becoming the first Filipina WTA champion, entering the world’s Top 50 rankings, and qualifying for all four Grand Slam main draws.
She also won gold in tennis at the 2023 SEA Games, ending a two-decade drought for the country.
Eala accepted the award via video from the Middle East while competing in the WTA1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, where she advanced to face world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini.
Despite recent setbacks in the Qatar Open, Eala continues to pursue her rising career, aiming to inspire Philippine tennis and make further history.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 18, 2026
EALA DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM PSA ATHLETE OF THE YEAR HONOR
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