Alyssa Valdez hails Alex Eala as a legend in the making: “My hero right now”

Filipina volleyball icon Alyssa Valdez didn’t hold back her admiration for tennis sensation Alex Eala, calling the 20-year-old athlete a “legend” in the making and a true inspiration not just for athletes, but for the entire nation.

Valdez joined a wave of praise from across the sports world after Eala made history last week by becoming the first Filipino to win a singles main draw match in a Grand Slam. 

Eala defeated 14th-seeded Clara Tauson of Denmark in a dramatic three-set battle, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (11), during the first round of the US Open — a feat that instantly etched her name into Philippine sports history.

The win adds to Eala’s impressive 2025 campaign, which also includes a Cinderella run to the semifinals of the Miami Open, where she shocked the world by toppling multiple former Grand Slam champions, including world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.

For Valdez, who has carried the weight of national expectations as one of the Philippines’ most recognized volleyball players, Eala’s poise under pressure is what stands out the most.

‘SHE’S REALLY MY HERO RIGHT NOW’ 💗

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Alyssa Valdez reflects on how Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala inspires her, fuels passion for sports, and unites the nation with every match.#USOpen #PVL2025 #PVLInvitational #TheHeartofVolleyball pic.twitter.com/l97fQciw2P

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 31, 2025

“She’s already, I would say, a legend also in our community,” Valdez said in an interview on Saturday, clearly moved by the tennis prodigy’s success and demeanor.

What resonates even more with Valdez is the strength of Eala’s support system — something she believes is a major factor in the young tennis star’s steady rise on the global stage.

“It’s just so obvious and very evident naman na napakaganda ng support system ni Alex Eala. And kitang-kita mo sa performances niya — buong-buo siya dahil buong-buo din ang suporta sa kaniya ng mga siguro, circle niya,” said Valdez.

“I think that’s one thing na very important right now in her career — to have that circle. To have that support system, to keep going,” she added, emphasizing the critical role of emotional and mental support for athletes competing at the highest level.

As Eala continues to compete on the world stage, tougher challenges and heavier expectations are sure to come. But Valdez believes that this early exposure to pressure will only make her stronger — and more iconic.

“I think it’s just so nice na this early, nararamdaman niya ‘yung mga pressure. Kasi, always, always, we always say na pressure is such a huge privilege, and it will shape her,” said the Creamline Cool Smashers captain. “It will mold her into become someone na icon talaga, legend. Ngayon pa lang, ‘yun na siya, so what more sa mga susunod na maipapakita niya pa para sa ating bansa.”

Beyond the athlete-to-athlete admiration, Valdez revealed that Eala’s journey has been a source of personal motivation. Calling the tennis star “my hero right now,” she noted how powerful it is to see a young Filipina achieve on the world stage.

“Alam mo, when you look look at Alex — nakakabata, na parang feeling mo, if Alex can do it, you can also do it. Such an inspiration, and hopefully, mas marami pa siyang ma-inspire na mga atleta, na mga kabataan, at kababaihan,” said Valdez.

From inspiring young dreamers to gaining the respect of elite athletes like Valdez, Eala’s star continues to rise — and if you ask the volleyball phenom, this is only the beginning of what will be a legendary career.

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