
Alex Eala during a meet and greet on Friday as she takes a brief holiday in the Philippines after her Grand Slam campaigns. –HANDOUT PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala continues to dedicate her recent milestones to her late grandfather and first tennis coach, Roberto “Bobby” Maniego.
Eala’s breakthrough semifinal run at the Miami Open sparked her rise to World No. 56 and led to her Grand Slam main draw debuts at the French Open and Wimbledon.
READ: Alex Eala hungry for more, targets US Open breakthrough
The 2025 Eastbourne Open runner-up credited her success to Maniego, whom she fondly called “Lolo Bob.”
“Whenever I do something big, I think about him. It would’ve been so nice for him to know. I’m sure he does, but for him to actually see and experience these great things happening to me, and to share it with my family, would’ve meant a lot,” said Eala during a Globe-organized meet and greet on Friday.
“It was hard for him to keep being that strong figure and mentor, even when he was already struggling. But he still put in the work.”
READ: Alex Eala unfazed by hate, focused on representing PH with pride
Before Alex and her brother Miko trained in Spain at the Rafa Nadal Academy, it was Maniego who introduced them to tennis.
“He was a huge part of my life and young career. He was my first and only coach until I moved to Spain,” said the 20-year-old. “He was the one who showed up every day and put in the work. So much of my foundation–my mentality, my bravery on court–comes from the tough love and sacrifice he gave me and my brother.”
The Filipino tennis star also shared how she idolized Maria Sharapova growing up.
“I looked up to so many players, but my one super idol was Maria Sharapova, because of the way she played and her mentality, but also how she presented herself,” Eala said. “I think I was five when I first saw her. She was always dressed well and loved by everyone, and I was no exception.”
Eala is now eyeing another Grand Slam appearance and her first main draw win at the US Open from August 24 to September 7.
She’s set to compete in tournaments in Canada and the US before heading back to Asia later this year.