Alexandra Eala’s bid to crash the elite Top 10 of the International Tennis Federation’s Juniors World Ranking for Girls 18 and under years old received a tremendous boost after Globe reiterated its support to the newest tennis phenom of the country.
Eala is the highest ranked female Southeast Asian athlete in the current ITF World Juniors after rising to career best 13th last month.
The 14-year-old tennis sensation, however, is not stopping there. Eala is setting her sights in competing in the junior events of the four grand slam events– the Australian, French, Wimbledon and the US Opens– next year.
To realize her dream, Globe reiterated its support of the country’s newest tennis star.
In her courtesy call to Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe, Eala expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from the telecom company for the last six years.
“I have always been very close to Globe. I’ve virtually grown up with them! They’ve sponsored me since I was 8, supporting me whether the tournament was local or at a Grand Slam. I’m very grateful that they saw the potential in me even at such a young age. Hopefully, they will keep on supporting me throughout the rest of my career,” Eala says.
For his part, Cu is calling on all Filipinos to rally behind Eala as she continues to play and bring honor to flag and country. Cu is also very happy and proud of what Eala has accomplished in her short but impressive career. He, however, cautions Eala not to let her current success get into her head.
“Just ignore the noise and focus on your game and your goals,” Cu says. Moreover, Cu promises to help Eala realize her goal of joining the Grand Slams next year.
“Do not worry about other things. Kami na ang bahala,” he adds.
Eala is the first Filipino to qualify for a Grand Slam tournament since Jeson Patrombon in 1991. She is also the youngest among the top 50 junior netters in the world. From her #247 rank last year, Eala rose to rank #13 after posting impressive runs the past few months. She made it to the second round in the US Open Juniors last August then won the Grade A ITF Tournament in South Africa in September and clinched a runner-up finish in the World Super Juniors Tennis Championships Osaka Mayor’s Cup in October.
Eala has been a Globe Ambassador since 2013. Eala is flying back to Spain to resume her training and preparations at the prestigious Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy.