As the tennis world starts to take serious notice of 20-year-old Alex Eala, the young Filipina star remains grounded in the memory of the man who started it all—her late grandfather and first coach, Roberto “Bobby” Maniego.
From learning how to hold a racket on Philippine courts to reaching the main draws of both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Eala’s meteoric rise in 2025 has been nothing short of inspiring. Her semifinal breakthrough at the Miami Open not only shot her up to World No. 56 but also solidified her status as Asia’s next tennis powerhouse. Yet amid the fame and spotlight, she continues to dedicate every major win to the man she lovingly called “Lolo Bob.”
“Whenever I hit a new milestone, I think about him,” Eala said during a heartfelt meet-and-greet hosted by Globe last Friday. “It would’ve been so meaningful to share these moments with him in person. I know he’s watching, but to have him there cheering in the stands—that would’ve been everything.”
Maniego wasn’t just a grandfather—he was her first coach, mentor, and the one who lit the spark that would one day burn on some of the world’s grandest tennis stages. Long before the Eala siblings moved to Spain to train at the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy, it was Lolo Bob who brought them to the court day in and day out.
“He shaped the way I think on the court,” Eala shared. “So much of my courage, discipline, and even how I bounce back from failure—those are things I learned from him. He coached me through my early years, even when he was already getting weaker. He never gave up on us.”
With a gritty work ethic and undeniable talent, Eala has become a beacon of hope for Philippine sports. But her motivations are deeply personal—rooted in family, legacy, and sacrifice.
Off the court, she also revealed one of her biggest inspirations growing up: Maria Sharapova.
“I admired so many players, but Sharapova was my ultimate idol,” Eala said. “Her game, her confidence, how she carried herself—it left a big impression on me. I must’ve been five when I first saw her on TV. She had this grace and power that made you believe anything was possible.”
That same belief now propels Eala forward as she gears up for another crack at a Grand Slam—this time at the US Open, where she hopes to claim her first main draw win. Leading up to the tournament, she’s set to compete in Canada and across the U.S. before returning to Asia later this year.
For Eala, every serve, every rally, and every victory isn’t just for rankings or trophies—it’s a tribute to a man whose love and discipline shaped the champion she is becoming.
And as she continues to chase dreams on the world stage, one thing remains certain: her Lolo Bob’s legacy lives on with every step she takes on court.