Alex Eala named to Forbes ‘30 Under 30’ list for sports, entertainment

FILE–Philippines’ Alexandra Eala reacts after a point as she plays against US Iva Jovic during their women’s singles match on day 3 of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 26, 2026. (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines —Filipino tennis star  Alex Eala has been recognized by Forbes as part of its “30 Under 30” list for sports and entertainment.

The list, released on Thursday, highlights “the next generation of talent—on court and the screen,” according to the global media company.

READ: Alex Eala proud of progress despite early French Open exit

The short profile on Eala, who recently turned 21, cited her rise over the past year that was highlighted by her breakthrough run in the 2025 Miami Open.

It also noted how Eala has helped spark interest in tennis in the Philippines, where basketball and volleyball remain the country’s most popular sports.

“Alexandra Eala got Filipinos fired up about tennis after she broke into the Women’s Tennis Association’s (WTA) Top 50 last year,” the article titled “The Gen Z Athletes And Music Artists Rewriting The Playbook” said.

READ: Alex Eala proves she’s earned her place among world’s best

Eala also acknowledged the strong support from Filipino fans, especially overseas, during her matches–something that has caught the attention of several tennis stars.

“The support has been incredible,” Eala said in an email to Forbes. “Tennis can sometimes feel quiet and serious, so having that energy makes it special.”

Currently, Eala is ranked No. 37 in the world. She just finished her campaign in the French Open 2026.

Among the other athletes included in the “30 Under 30” list are Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Los Angeles Dodgers, chess grandmaster Divya Deshmukh, golfer Minjee Lee and sprinter Gout Gout.