Alex Eala talks about the amazing comparison to Manny Pacquiao before the Cincinnati Open
Alex Eala’s quick rise in world tennis has many people comparing her to boxing legend and fellow Filipino, Manny Pacquiao, as she heads into the Cincinnati Open. Right now, Eala is one of the most talked-about female tennis players, with fans excitedly cheering on the 21-year-old after an amazing start to 2026.
She won the Birmingham Challenger on grass, reached the semi-finals of the Berlin Open, and made it to her first fourth round at Wimbledon. Most impressively, Eala became the first Filipina to win a WTA singles title when she beat Jessica Pegula in the Washington Open final on August 3.
After that high point at Rock Creek Park, she faced a setback at the Canadian Open, losing in the round of 16 to Belinda Bencic. Eala, who has played more WTA matches this year than any other player, will be back in action at the Cincinnati Open on Saturday.
Now ranked in the world’s top 20, Eala gets a first-round bye and will start in the last 64, playing the winner between Magda Linette and Elena-Gabriela Ruse. As the 17th seed, she has a tough draw ahead, possibly facing 10th-ranked Amanda Anisimova, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, in the third round.
For now, Eala is focused on staying sharp and avoiding an upset as she aims to impress at this big Masters 1000 event.
Many Filipinos admire Eala as much as they do Manny Pacquiao, who is known as one of the greatest boxers ever. Pacquiao made history as the first eight-division world champion with 62 wins in 73 fights and remains the most famous Filipino athlete.
Eala says Pacquiao is a huge inspiration for her and other Filipino athletes. “He is such a legend and has done so much for us Filipino athletes to pave the way,” she said. “The feeling he gave us was great… and my journey can give similar things. It’s very flattering.”
Pacquiao even congratulated Eala on social media after her historic WTA win, saying, “To Alex Eala, congratulations on your victory. Thank you for bringing honor to our country. We are cheering for you. We are proud of you.”
Though it will take time to match Pacquiao’s incredible career, Eala, at just 21, has many years ahead to make her mark in tennis. After her first WTA singles title, she now has her sights set on winning her first major at the US Open later this month.