Maria Helena Ruiz vows to work even harder after receiving a message from Alex Eala. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
When Maria Helena Ruiz clinched the bronze medal in the 2025 Junior Tennis Initiative recently, she had every reason to be proud.
After all, the eight-year-old talent was the only girl who made the podium in the 9-under unisex category. But she got more than just a shiny medal for her efforts.
She got a congratulatory message from Filipino tennis star Alex Eala, whose rise in the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) rankings this year hasn’t stopped her from providing inspiration for young athletes.
“Hi Maria,” Eala said in a video message to the young Ruiz. “I saw that you won your Milo tournament. Congratulations!”
“I remember playing that then when I was younger,” Eala added. “So, hopefully you’ll continue to work hard and train hard and I hope to see you soon.”
The greeting had an immediate impact on the up-and-coming Ruiz.
“I got so inspired by her and I got a boost, like in my mind, I’m gonna train so much harder and I’m gonna try my best to meet her soon,” an ecstatic Ruiz said.
The 20-year-old Eala is currently competing in the Lexus Eastbourne Open in the United Kingdom, a grasscourt tournament which the Filipino star is using for her Wimbledon preparations.
She was battling Lucia Bronzetti of Italy in the round of the 32 at press time and is comong off a hard-fought victory over American Hailey Baptiste, 6(1)-7, 7-6(4), 6-1. Inquirer Sports Staff
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