Alex Eala gave a determined performance in her first main draw match at the 2025 French Open—earning encouragement from fellow Filipino athlete EJ Obiena after her hard-fought effort.
Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena expressed his support for Filipina tennis star Alex Eala following her gutsy debut at the 2025 French Open.
Eala fought valiantly in a three-set battle against Colombia’s Emiliana Arango, eventually falling 0-6, 6-2, 3-6, in the first round.
While the result wasn’t in her favor, the performance was enough to draw praise from one of the country’s top athletes.
“You got this,” Obiena commented on Eala’s Instagram post, where she reflected on her hard-fought first appearance.
“First Grand Slam main draw in the books!📚 Back to the drawing board for now, but will come back stronger next time. See you for doubles @rolandgarros 🧡,” Alex wrote on Instagram.
Photo (c) Screenshot from Alex Eala/Instagram
It was a simple message—but one that echoed the growing camaraderie between two of the Philippines’ premier sports figures.
Obiena, a consistent presence on the world athletics stage, and Eala, the rising tennis phenom, represent the new generation of Filipino athletes making their mark globally.
While Eala now sets her sights on the doubles competition, the support from Obiena is a reminder that even in defeat, the journey is never walked alone.
Eala though won't exit Roland Garros just yet, as she and Mexican partner Renata Zarazua will compete in the first round of women's doubles at 9:00 p.m. (PH time) against the duo of UK's Emily Appleton and Spain's Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers.