Alex Eala reflects on Madrid early exit: ‘I’m a lion in the making’
Photo from alex.eala/Instagram
Head held high, Filipino tennis prodigy Alex Eala’s journey at the 2025 Madrid Open came to a close on Thursday, as the 18-year-old Filipino tennis star fell to world No. 2 Iga Świątek in the Round of 64.
But despite the defeat, the Rafa Nadal Academy student’s performance throughout the tournament left a lasting impression, and she remains optimistic about her future in tennis.
In an Instagram post following the match, Eala expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to compete on one of tennis’ most iconic stages.
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“Wow—what an experience playing in this year’s @mutuamadridopen, especially on Pista Manolo Santana,” she wrote, acknowledging the significance of the venue. “It’s such a privilege to bring out my competitive side and perform at a high level on these iconic courts.”
She further added some words in Spanish, writing, “Me siento muy afortunada de tener a todo este público apoyándome aquí en Madrid. Muchísimas gracias a todos por venir (I feel so fortunate to have all this support from the crowd here in Madrid. Thank you so much to everyone who came).”
Eala also reflected on the intensity of her match against Świątek, recognizing it as a challenge and an opportunity for growth.
“Today’s match was a battle, and I’m counting on it not being the last,” she shared. She also took a moment to share wisdom passed down from her father.
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“Some time ago, my dad told me, ‘If you want to be a lion, you have to live in the den.’ I’ve earned my place in the den – and I like to think I’m a lion in the making.”
Despite a series of early exits in her recent tournaments, including her semifinal run at the Miami Open, Eala’s performance in Madrid hints at a promising future.
With her relentless work ethic and clear mindset for growth, the rising star is poised to set a new career best in her Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings.
Currently ranked 72nd in the world with 897 points, Eala is expected to continue climbing the ranks, cementing her place among the sport’s elite at her young age.
