Alex Ila is giving the Filipinos a feeling they haven’t experienced since the reign of Manny Pacquiao.
Sunday mornings once reserved for Pacquiao fights have given way to evenings filled with the same anticipation as millions tune in to watch the young tennis star chase history one match at a time.
Alex Eala defeated Iga Swiatek to become the first Filipino player to reach the round of 16 of a Grand Slam singles tournament. Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
The Filipino tennis sensation delivered another defining moment for Philippine sports on Saturday, stunning reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek 7-6 (9), 6-2 in the third round on Center Court at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, continuing her remarkable breakthrough on tennis’ biggest stage.
As millions of people at home continue to rally around her, Ila insists her rise has always been based on countless unseen hours behind the scenes.
“I’ve always thought of it as a personal journey because while I’m very grateful for all the support I get, it’s my team, it’s my family and I put the hours into it,” Eala said.
“We are in court 12 hours a day. We are the ones who wake up early and return home late. This daily grind and work ethic is what keeps me focused and focused. The responsibility, the impact I have on other people, and the inspiration I can bring is really a result of that work ethic.”
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However, Ila understands the significance of her success for a sports-loving nation.
Growing up, the former US Open girls’ champion experienced first-hand how Pacquiao’s fights could stymie the entire country, and now she’s doing it for another generation of Filipino sports fans.
In recent Olympic cycles, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s remarkable gold medal in Tokyo 2021, gymnast Carlos Yulo’s historic double-gold performance in Paris 2024, and pole vaulter EJ Obiena’s rise among the world’s elite have only strengthened the belief that Filipinos can compete with and beat the best.
For the 21-year-old, they became sources of inspiration.
“Of course, the national hero of Philippine sports is Manny Pacquiao. He is probably the first global Filipino athlete that I remember and associate with so many childhood memories. Whenever he fought, it was like a holiday in the Philippines. People gathered to watch and it was a huge event. He is incredibly inspiring,” she said.
“In recent years, Hidilyn Diaz, who won the country’s first Olympic gold medal, has been a huge inspiration. Carlos Yulo, who won two Olympic gold medals, was amazing. EJ Obiena is also a good friend of my family and he loves tennis. There are so many people here. I feel like Filipinos have such a great work ethic. We are really hard workers and when it matters we can show up.”
Alex Eala is delighted to see stunning reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek reach the fourth round. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Image
Now that Eala is in the same conversation as these names, each victory seems more important than the result itself. This is another opportunity to inspire young girls in the Philippines to dream boldly, reminding them that their goal is not to become the “next Alex Ila”, but the first version of themselves.
“I am honored to pave the way for young girls. It would be the honor of my life to inspire others,” Eala said.
“But I don’t want them to look at me and say, ‘I want to be the next Alex Ila.’ “I want them to say, ‘I want to be me first,’ and forge their own path.”
The message echoes the overwhelming support she received throughout her run at Wimbledon and previous tournaments.
Whether online or at home in the Philippines, Eala believes passion reflects something deeply rooted in Philippine culture.
“I think we’re just really proud of where we come from,” she said.
“We have a really strong sense of community and that can be seen whenever someone is successful. We are a community that lifts each other up. We are positive people and when positive things happen to other Filipinos around the world, we share that joy and happiness.”
With another fearless performance against one of the sport’s biggest stars, Ila didn’t just claim the biggest Wimbledon win of her career.
She gave millions of Filipinos another reason to gather around their screens and reminded the sports world that the Philippines’ new global star is just getting started.