Alex Eala forces big change on the WTA Tour in landmark moment for tennis in the Philippines
Tennis star Alexandra Eala has influenced the WTA to upgrade Manila's tournament status to a 250-level event by 2027. This development provides Filipino fans with more opportunities to watch high-level professional tennis in their home country.
Why it matters
Eala's rising profile is significantly impacting the growth and infrastructure of professional tennis in the Philippines.
Alexandra Eala's impact on tennis, specifically in the Philippines, has been astounding.
The fanbase she has introduced to this sport has taken to it with ease, and although they can be criticised at times for their raucous support, you'd much rather have them than not.
Their passionate following earned its reward earlier this year, when Manila was granted a WTA 125-level event, thus bringing a little slice of the action back home for the Filipino fans.
However, its timing in the tennis calendar left a little to be desired, and it was still just below the level needed to be considered a tour-level tournament.
Well, that is now all about to change, with Alexandra Eala 's impact having forced through a landmark moment for tennis in this country.
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