21-year-old Filipino tennis star Alex Eala achieved a historic run at Wimbledon, reigniting interest in tennis across the Philippines. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing BBC News.
Teen athlete Maristella Torrecampo, chasing her dream of becoming a world champion, took a gruelling 13-hour bus ride with her father from her sleepy hillside hometown to Manila. The 14-year-old's mother and four siblings could not join; her crowdfunded budget was only enough for two round-trip bus tickets and a few days' meals. Torrecampo crushed her Omani opponent 6-1, 6-1 at Rizal Stadium, keeping alive her dream of following in Eala's footsteps.
Eala, 21, went the farthest any Filipina had gone in a Grand Slam event, reaching the fourth round and eliminating defending champion Iga Swiatek. Since her semi-final performance at the Miami Open last year, Eala has re-ignited interest in tennis in the Philippines.
Torrecampo idolises Eala: "Like Ate Alex, I want to win at Wimbledon, WTA, and various tournaments around the world." She calls Eala "older sister." Eala returned from London to a hero's welcome, with President Ferdinand Marcos hosting a reception. Eala said: "I'm so grateful that I am able to share my triumphs with the country. This is our victory."
Tennis is an elite sport in the Philippines. Courts are found in rich enclaves, equipment is expensive. Court rentals in Manila cost around 2,000 pesos ($32) per hour, half the minimum wage. Tennis coach Jovy Barce started as a ball boy, later picked up a racket from the bin and practised. He taught himself and eventually became a coach.
Eala's success has inspired many Filipinos, but the sport's inaccessibility remains a challenge.