Alex Eala Is Named One of TIME100 Next 2026's Most Influential Rising Stars

Alex Eala can add another notch to an already impressive list of accomplishments. The Filipina tennis star has been named to TIME100 Next 2026, TIME’s annual list of 100 rising figures whose work is helping shape what comes next in their respective fields.

The recognition arrives after a particularly eventful year for Alex. In 2026, she became the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA 500 tournament, then broke into the world’s top 20, adding two more career firsts to an increasingly impressive résumé.

Rafael Nadal, who has known Alex since her time at the Rafa Nadal Academy, was chosen to write about her for TIME. In his essay, the former world No. 1 recalls the first time he shared a tennis court with Alex after his retirement.

Alex was the one who asked if he felt like hitting with her for a while. “For the first time in many months, I picked up a racket and played again,” he writes.

He has continued to follow the Filipina’s career closely, pointing to her ability to listen, learn, and keep improving as one of her greatest strengths. He also describes Alex as “warm, approachable, and humble,” qualities that have stayed intact as her profile in tennis has grown.

“It isn’t easy to handle becoming a true phenomenon at such a young age, and she deserves a lot of credit for keeping her feet on the ground,” Rafa writes. “Now, all that remains is to keep enjoying watching her progress.”

For Alex, the TIME100 Next recognition places her alongside a particularly eclectic group of emerging names. Filipina-American actress Isa Briones, who stars in The Pitt, is also on this year’s list, joining entertainers such as Charles Melton, Eiza González, Joey King, Chase Sui Wonders, Yerin Ha, and Marisa Abela.

The music lineup includes Raye, Troye Sivan, PinkPantheress, Megan Moroney, Conan Gray, Alex Warren, and Sombr. On the sports side, Alex shares the list with NFL prospect Arch Manning, NBA player Tyrese Maxey, soccer star Naomi Girma, and footballer Folarin Balogun. The youngest honoree is 15-year-old cricket player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Elsewhere, TIME100 Next 2026 spans fashion, arts, media, business, technology, science, advocacy, and public leadership, reflecting the broad range of fields where the publication sees the next generation of influential figures emerging.