ON International Women’s Day, Alex Eala took the opportunity to give a special shoutout to her mother, Rizza Maniego-Eala, following her victory over world No. 4 Coco Gauff in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open.
Before a beaming crowd on Stadium 1 at Indian Wells, a mix of American supporters and a loud sea of Filipino fans, the 20-year-old rising star delivered a heartfelt message acknowledging the important women in her life.
READ Alex Eala reaches Indian Wells Round of 16 as Coco Gauff retires
Eala first greeted Gauff, who unfortunately was forced to quit mid-match due to an injury, marking only the second retirement of her young career.
“First and foremost, I want to say happy Women's Day everybody. Bear with me because I have a lot to say. I want to say thank you to all the incredible women who have paved the way for other women," Eala said in the stadium interview.
"Among them is Coco. So, thank you, Coco, for being an amazing competitor and an amazing role model. And I really hope that everything is well and you will recover soon,” she opened.
READ Eala couple go all out to help Alex reach for her dreams
Eala then smiled and looked toward one section of the stands, searching for mom Rizza, a former Philippine national swimmer.
“I also want to say happy Women's Day to my mom who is there in the stands. I want to thank her for being the amazing woman that she is and for helping me become the woman that I am, and that goes to all mothers.”
Maniego-Eala has been a constant presence in Alex’s tour journey, with the Filipina star among the few young athletes who travel the circuit with her parents for much of the year.
The moment drew cheers from the Filipino crowd that once again showed up in full force in the California desert, continuing what many have begun to call the growing “Eala effect” on tour.
With every match, the 20-year-old is not only piling up wins but also carrying with her the support of a community that sees her both a rising tennis star and a symbol of national pride.
And on a day celebrating women around the world, Eala made sure the spotlight also shone on the woman who helped shape the person that she is today.
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