Alex Eala on Why She Speaks Tagalog at International Competitions
"Iba talaga 'pag nakakadinig ka ng Tagalog, lalo na sa mga world stages kasi bihira lang nangyayari 'yun," the tennis champ says.
by Em Enriquez
Published on Mar 25, 2026
Alex Eala has been making the country proud with a series of victorious appearances at global tennis tournaments. At present, she ranks No. 29 in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) singles standings, the highest ever for any Filipino in history!
Through her competitions, Alex has made it a point to highlight her heritage, using Tagalog in post-match interviews and connecting with her Pinoy supporters. In a recent interview, the 20-year-old shared why it's important for her to speak our language whenever she can.
Why Alex Eala Thinks Its Important to Speak Tagalog
"Sa tingin ko, malaking bagay yung lenggwahe sa kultura," the tennis champ expresses to Rappler. "I mean, iba talaga 'pag nakakadinig ka ng Tagalog, lalo na sa mga world stages kasi bihira lang nangyayari 'yun."
Alex shares that she left the nest at just 13 years old, with only occasional trips home for the holidays. Despite being away from the Philippines, she’s made an effort to keep her Tagalog sharp by consuming media in the language. "Naturally, medyo pumapalpak na din [ako mag-Tagalog] so I made it a point na magbasa ng mga libro na Tagalog or makinig sa OPM. Pinapanood ko yung news, ganun," she explains.
For Alex, speaking her native tongue isn’t just about nationalism—it’s also about a sense of oneness with her fellow Pinoys. From her perspective, other cultures don’t share the same level of community or “kapwa.”
"That's how people bond... and [that sense of community has] brought me blessings. Everywhere I go, ang daming Pinoy ang nakasubaybay sa akin and nagsusuporta," she says. "And not a lot of people get that. Not a lot of tennis players get that."
Last February, after her win against Jasmine Paolini at the Dubai Tennis Championships, Alex addressed the crowd of Filipino fans, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support. "Ilan kaya sa inyo ang nagdadasal para sa akin?" she recalls thinking. "I really had to give everything I got!"
In essence, Alex's conscious decision to speak in Tagalog is her way of giving back to the legions of Filipino fans who have been by her side. "Many times, I find myself in situations na ako lang yung Pinoy na andoon. So I never shy away from [my being Filipino] and I never shy away from a chance to thank our fellow countrymen," she states.
Alex recently wrapped up her Miami Open stint with a Round of 16 finish, proving her worth against world veterans and top-ranked players.
We're always rooting for you, Alex!
Em is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're Preview's associate entertainment editor who's often spotted in cowboy boots and lemon-tinted sunnies.