ALEXANDRA Eala’s rapid rise on the tennis court is translating into growing commercial value, with a Forbes report projecting the Filipina star could become one of the world’s highest-paid female athletes as early as next year.
In its latest cover story, “The Inside Story of Tennis Phenom Alex Eala’s Rise and Rise,” Forbes reported that Eala has already generated more than $5 million in off-court earnings before taxes and fees.
Max Eisenbud, head of client representation at WME Sports and its subsidiary IMG Tennis, believes Eala’s earning potential could rise significantly as her tennis career and popularity continue to expand.
“I feel very confident that by 2027, she will be the second-highest-paid female athlete in the world, behind Coco [Gauff],” Eisenbud told Forbes.
Eala had accumulated $3,045,990 in career prize money before the ongoing US Open, according to WTA figures. More than half of that amount came during the 2026 season.
Her income is further boosted by endorsement agreements, including an apparel partnership with Nike and sponsorship deals with Philippine companies Globe Telecom and Bank of the Philippine Islands.
Eisenbud also pointed to Eala’s immense popularity in the Philippines as a major factor in her commercial appeal.
“It’s safe to say, in the Philippines, she just needs to be breathing,” Eisenbud said. “She never needs to win another tennis match; she’s crazy famous there.”
The financial projections come as Eala continues to establish herself among the leading players on the WTA Tour.
She entered the 2026 US Open as the No. 17 seed and advanced to the second round after defeating American qualifier Mary Stoiana, 6-1, 6-2.
Eala has also captured her first WTA 500 title this season and reached a career-high No. 18 in the world rankings, further raising her profile both on and off the court. (Adrian Co)
