‘What a character’: Pinoys praise Alex Eala for her take on handling pressure

January 27, 2026 – 5:54 PM

Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 19, 2026 Philippines’ Alexandra Eala reacts during her first round match against Alycia Parks of the U.S. (Reuters/Edgar Su)

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Tennis ace

Alex Eala

drew praise for her perspective on handling pressure after she compared it to what many Filipinos face in their daily lives.

The 20-year-old wunderkind impressed fans with her response during a post-match interview after defeating Russia’s

Alina Charaeva

at the historic

WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open

on Monday, January 26.

asked about the pressure

interview

“But it’s nothing compared to the pressure that regular, everyday Filipinos have to face providing for their families. It’s nothing compared to what my parents have sacrificed to bring me here. I’m doing my best, and I’m trying to enjoy,” she added.

Her response resonated with fellow Filipinos, many of whom praised her grounded perspective.

“I mean, that performance was next level, but her post-match interview? Chef’s kiss!” a Threads user wrote.

“Especially when she said that the pressure is nothing compared to the pressures of every Filipinos providing for their families, she captured everybody’s hearts right there. How can you not love this lady?” the Threads user added.

“Teary-eyed listening to her words… full of wisdom,” another

with emojis.

“Her depth and articulacy are really admirable. I know nothing of tennis, but I’m rooting for her simply because of her character,” a

Reddit user

wrote.

“What a character! I love you, Alex!! You make me so proud!” another

said

“She got wisdom. Vamos, Alex,” another

Redditor

“Nakakaiyak. Nakaka-proud!” a different Threads

user

wrote.

Pinoy

wrote.

Alex has previously been lauded for her efforts to preserve her Pinoy roots by continuing to immerse herself in Filipino culture while training in Spain before turning professional.