Alexandra Eala of the Philippines in action at the 2026 US Open on September 5, 2026 in New York City. Julian Finney/Getty Images/AFP
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala made an appearance as a special guest on Tuesday, Sept. 8, on US national TV show CBS Mornings, with a message for every young person across the globe.
Fresh off her third-round exit at the US Open against Iva Jovic, Eala sat down with anchors Gayle King, Norah O’Donnell, and Nate Burleson in a conversation for the first time.
Eala said she has learned to take it “step-by-step.”
She added that she avoids looking at the bigger picture too much to avoid getting lost and overwhelmed.
“Especially with the support that I get… Being surrounded by the peers that I have and sharing the stage with people that I look up to, it’s amazing,” she said, mentioning Coco Gauff and Venus Williams as examples.
When asked about pressure that comes with representing an entire nation, Eala said: “It definitely comes with pressure… But pressure is a privilege.”
“I have never been able to relate to something more and now when I face high pressure situations, I’m able to take it in my stride.”
“And especially with the experience I’ve been gaining this year, I look forward to being in those situations. So this year’s US Open has just been so great.”
The 21-year old sensation also reflected on what the past year has taught her about the responsibility she carries.
“One thing I’ve learned this past year is the power of representation and how deep of an effect inspiration can have. When I interact with the people who support me and they tell me their stories, it really touches me,” she said.
“I just hope that whatever I do, my day-to-day work inspires other people and inspires the youth especially to chase their dreams.”
She then delivered the line that summed it all up.
“I’m here, I’m in New York, I’m competing in the US Open, I’m from Manila. A dream is only a dream until it becomes a reality.”
Asked who she is rooting for in the women’s quarterfinals, Eala did not hesitate in saying one of her close friends on tour.
“It’s very difficult to choose. I think it’s a very highly stacked draw at this point. But it always is in the quarters. I have to say, though, I am rooting for Coco,” she said. “Last night was really good. I did watch her and Iva — both played amazing. But I think Coco’s been on such a good run recently.”
On what makes Gauff special, Eala pointed to something beyond the physical.
“When I look up to Coco, it’s her grit and the mentality she has. Of course, she’s a beast and she’s physically amazing. She’s got great shots, so much power. But I love her mentality.”
The conversation then turned to the story of how her grandfather Bobby Maniego trained her to take on the Valle Verde courts at a young age, in a country not so fond of tennis back then.
“He just instilled so many values in me through practice. And my training for him has always been quite intense,” Eala said.
“Him and my family have laid out a great foundation for me to be able to withstand the pressures that come with being an athlete at this level and the discipline that it takes.”
When a match comes down to the wire and everything is on the line, Eala said she makes sure to stay optimistic.
“I say that I can do it. Actually, there were a lot of points in my last match against Iva Jovic where I said I could do it and I did it, which is great,” she said.
“I think once you go the negative route, at least in my experience, does not normally go well. So I do try to be as positive as I can be.”