Eala highlights the importance of Bosch in her tennis: "He helps me feel that I'm not alone on the court"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 29 Jul 2026 | 21.38

Eala highlights the importance of Bosch in her tennis: "He helps me feel like I'm not alone on the court." Photo: Getty Images

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Alexandra Eala not only wins but is also learning to endure while winning. The Filipina, one of the pearls of the WTA circuit, is already ranked 28th in the world while her impact on the tennis world continues to grow. Victories like today's against Leylah Fernandez help in that growth. The 21-year-old was 5-1 down in the second set, but managed to turn things around to win the match 6-2, 7-6(1) and advance to the quarterfinals of the WTA Washington 2026.

A comeback in the second set that reinforces her tennis skills and the label of a fighter that is gradually being associated with her. There have been several matches in her early career where she has been able to come back, always with the unconditional support of her fellow Filipinos. Talking about how she resisted against Fernandez, her role as a figurehead for the Philippines, and the importance of her coach, Joan Bosch, she discussed it on WTA and Tennis Channel's microphones.

Alexandra Eala reveals how she turned around a 5-1 deficit

"I had some tough moments during the match, and credit must be given to Leilah. She put me in really difficult situations, so I am very proud of how I fought and how I managed to stay in the match. I made an effort to stay in the moment and was prepared for anything that could happen. Luckily, well, it wasn't just luck, but fortunately, it went my way."

"I knew she was playing a bit better and maybe my level had dropped a bit. I think those are very tough moments when you know your level has dropped and you want to do better, but for one reason or another, things don't work out. I think patience was the key there, just trying to find solutions and maintaining a strong mindset to seek answers."

Joan Bosch plays a key role in Alexandra Eala's career

"It's super important that Joan Bosch, who is here with me, is my trusted person. He helps me feel like I'm not alone on the court. I trust him a lot, as well as my team at home: Yuke and Sandro."

Eala downplays the labels of being a fighter

"I think it's just part of my character. But, at the same time, all the players here are fighters. Whether it's my opponent today, yesterday, the previous one, or tomorrow's, we are here because we are fighters, so you can never underestimate anyone."

She's a fighter 😤

Alexandra Eala sat down with us to explain her wild comeback from 1-5 down in the second set 😱#MubadalaDCOpen pic.twitter.com/8ykLrUQlA2
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) July 29, 2026

Eala secured her first victory against a left-handed player

"Each player has characteristics that make it challenging to face them. Although playing against a lefty is different, it's simply another aspect you have to consider. I don't think it necessarily makes it harder or easier. I think it's just a unique characteristic of that opponent."

Eala discussed the impact of her figure in the Philippines

"With the platform I have, it's important to be aware of the impact I represent. I learn bit by bit through what people and fans tell me, and I understand that I represent a lot. I represent a minority. I am the first Filipina to reach this stage in tennis, and that applies not only to the Philippines but maybe also to another nationality or a young girl who previously didn't see a possible path."

"Among many other things, I suppose it's hard to list them all right after the match, but I am very grateful to everyone who supports me. They are the reason I have this platform at the end of the day, and that makes my work even more meaningful to me."

Eala admits to feeling pressure on the circuit and in her country

"There's definitely pressure. I'm a competitive athlete, so that pressure exists, but I believe the obligation also comes from within myself. I am very demanding of myself. I am a very ambitious person, so I am very happy and grateful to all who want to support me and accompany me on this journey, but I know that this is my journey, above all, and I have the expectations that I impose on myself," said Alexandra Eala, who will face the winner of the match between Elina Svitolina and Polina Kudermetova in the quarterfinals.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Eala destaca la importancia de Bosch en su tenis: "Me ayuda a sentir que no estoy sola en la pista"

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