NATURE and nurture are complementary aspects in the development and growth of gifted athletes.
Fortunately, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is blessed with both, with the genes of her mother, Rizza Maniego-Eala, running in her blood, and together with his father, Mike, a supportive family environment that has helped her sustain sports greatness.
While Eala’s first coach was her grandfather Bobby Maniego, the unstinting support of her parents has been pivotal in her progress on the global stage, and a recent article by Oli Dickinson Gifford on the website tennis365.com acknowledged their contribution.
“Both of Eala’s parents are among her chief supporters throughout her rise into prominence, and her mum in particular can relate to life as a professional athlete,” the report said.
“Rizza, or Rosemary, to give her full name, is a former swimmer and was a bronze medalist back at the 1985 (Chiang Mai) Southeast Asian Games in the 100-meter backstroke,” it noted.
A rare combination of beauty, brawn and brains, the report cited the fact that Mrs. Eala became the chief financial officer of local telecom giant Globe, which has been one of the player’s pioneer patrons.
“Eala’s father, Mike, has largely kept out of the limelight and has maintained a low profile (except when she’s on the court),” the report said, while quoting him about his daughter’s attitude towards her chosen sport.
“Alex is a fast learner, and she never gets dispirited with every loss; in fact, it makes her stronger and fiercer,” the article quoted the elder Maniego as saying. “She knows that if she keeps her focus on her level of play, keeps her head down, and works hard, the wins will eventually come.”
It pointed out, too, that the tennis phenom was the niece of sportscaster Noli Eala, the former commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association and a former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission.”
Although they leave the coaching to her coaching staff, the report said the Maniegos “have been among her chief supporters throughout 2025, during which the trailblazer has made history.
