Alex Eala has won more than matches at the WTA São Paulo Open, as her fearless tennis and warm charm have earned her the affectionate Brazilian nickname “Filiprima,” making the young Filipina feel like family.
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is winning more than just matches in Brazil—she’s also winning hearts.
Fresh off her commanding victory over France’s Yasmine Mansouri to reach the Round of 16 at the WTA 2025 São Paulo 250 Open, the 20-year-old left her mark on the camera lens with a message that read: “Love from Your Filiprima.”
The term “Filiprima” has become the affectionate nickname Brazilian fans use for Eala, blending “Filipina” with the Portuguese word prima (female cousin).
In Brazil, calling someone prima is a warm and casual way of treating them like family.
By adopting the moniker, fans have embraced Eala as if she were their own relative, creating a cultural bridge between the Philippines and Brazil.
Eala herself leaned into the nickname, even greeting supporters in Portuguese before: “Oi, Brasil. Aqui é sua Filiprima, Alex Eala.” (“Hi, Brazil. Here is your Filiprima, Alex Eala.”)
That moment further endeared her to local fans, who quickly flooded social media with praise for the young Filipina’s charm both on and off the court.
Beyond the playful title, the nickname reflects how Eala’s relentless fight and fearless energy resonate with Brazilian tennis enthusiasts.
Just as Brazilians celebrate their own fiery athletes, they see in Eala a similar spirit—one that thrives under the spotlight and connects through authenticity.
For the Philippines, Eala carries national pride on her shoulders.
But in Brazil, she has also become their Filiprima, a rising global star they now consider part of the family.
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Inna Mina is a sportswriter with a passion for telling stories that go beyond the scoreboard.
She covers running, athletics, and other major Philippine sporting events, while also following grassroots sports, athlete journeys, and women in sports. Her work also includes lifestyle stories on health, fitness, and community.