When you’re as prominent as Alex Eala in the Philippines and abroad, there’s bound to be good and bad things said about you.
Alex Eala is still getting used to rising fame after she was catapulted to tennis consciousness with a dream semifinal run at the Miami Open last year, where the Filipina introduced herself with big wins over players like Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek.
Almost a year removed from that crucial crossroads in her career, the 20-year-old’s influence has only continued to grow — as evidenced by her gravitational pull for crowds not just in Manila during the Philippine Women’s Open, but also in Melbourne during her short but sweet stint in the main draw of the Australian Open.
But with the love comes also some criticisms, allegations of “overhype” or downright hate of what the Filipina netter stands for.
For some, it may be a little overwhelming.
That’s why Eala, who has been used to the public spotlight since first making headlines as a Rafa Nadal Academy scholar some eight years ago, chooses to focus on what really matters to her.
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Rather than listening to all the voices on social media, the 20-year-old is listening to those who are out for her best interest. But she also acknowledged that she may not be everybody’s cup of tea — especially when she has mixed results.
“I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion, definitely. And being a public figure, my results are out there, my games are out there. It's inevitable that people will have comments, whether it's positive or negative,” Eala said during her post match press conference after a win over Himeno Sakatsume on Wednesday.
“And I really appreciate the support, the positivity, and you're entitled to your own opinion, even if it's negative about me,” she added.
People in her corner
At the end of the day, Eala knows that people can have varying opinions of her and her game, whether it be her own fans in the Philippines or some other part of the world.
As she aims to keep improving in her budding tennis career, Eala is determined to keep herself zeroed in on the important parts — on the people that matter most to her, whether it be on a personal or professional level in her life.
That is, instead of listening to the public opinion, she will latch on to what those closest to her will say. On the tennis court, this will be her coaching staff, her team, which at the end of the day, advocate for her success at all levels.
“My approach to it is that I have my team, and they will definitely tell me if there's criticism, or they will definitely provide me with constructive criticism. They work in my best interest. They also give me positive feedback,” she said.
“So that's the [focus], of course, along with my own opinion, and the opinion of my team, is what I prioritize. And they definitely give me two sides, and I know that they have my best interest at heart.”
But don’t get her wrong, Eala continues to appreciate all the support she’s given.
That along with the constructive takes on her game is what provides her fuel to continue pushing herself to more and more ceilings in tennis.
“That's what I focus on the most. So, you know, [but] the positivity from the public is an added plus,” she said.
Eala pushes herself back onto the spotlight on Thursday night when she plays Camila Osorio in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Women’s Open.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.