As the red clay courts of Roland Garros prepare to welcome the biggest names in tennis, one rising star has managed to steal global headlines before even picking up a racquet.
Alexandra Eala, the 19-year-old tennis prodigy from the Philippines, shocked the sporting world this week during a bold and unfiltered interview that aired on European sports network “Réseau Sportif.” Sitting confidently in a sleek black blazer, Eala didn’t hold back—not about her training, not about her ambitions, and certainly not about the question that’s been burning on the lips of fans and media alike: Is she dating a fellow tennis star?
When pressed about her rumored relationship with 21-year-old Italian tennis player Luca Moretti, a crowd favorite known as much for his smooth backhand as for his charm on social media, Eala gave an answer that instantly set the internet ablaze:
“Let them talk,” she said with a smirk. “I never said I was dating a tennis player. But if I were, he’d have to handle losing to me first.”
The statement, equal parts cheeky and confident, has fueled speculation more than ever. But the real twist came moments later, when Eala dropped a comment that caught even her team off guard:
“Some people want me to stay silent or be sweet. But I didn’t get here by being quiet. I’m not just a tennis player—I’m a person, a woman, and I won’t apologize for living life on my terms.”
Social media exploded. Within minutes, #AlexandraEala trended in the Philippines, Spain, and even parts of the U.S., with fans and media personalities weighing in on her unapologetic tone. Some praised her for being outspoken in a traditionally conservative sport. Others raised eyebrows at the “boyfriend” comment, especially as she had previously denied any romantic involvement.
But that wasn’t all.
Later that evening, Spanish tabloid La Voz Deportiva published what it claims to be leaked messages between Eala and Moretti, in which the two exchange heartfelt words about pressure, expectations, and “finding peace off the court.” While unconfirmed, the messages suggested a closeness that only added fuel to the fire.
Eala’s coach, Rafael Nadal, reportedly reached out privately after the interview aired. A source close to her camp revealed that Nadal praised her authenticity but reminded her to “protect her focus.” The source added:
“Rafa respects Alexandra immensely. He’s seen how hard she works. But even he was surprised at how direct she was. It’s a new generation.”
On the other hand, not everyone reacted with such composure. A prominent tennis journalist from Italy accused Eala of “manufacturing drama to distract from a poor clay season.” Eala fired back with a cryptic tweet just hours later:
“Clay washes away, but receipts last forever 💅”
This unapologetic persona isn’t exactly new. Eala, who made waves last year by being the first Filipina to reach the second week of a Grand Slam, has long been vocal about her identity, her heritage, and the double standards female athletes often face. But this new level of personal openness, especially on the eve of such a major tournament, feels like a turning point.
And it’s working in her favor—at least in terms of visibility. Eala’s Instagram follower count jumped by nearly 500,000 in two days, and French tournament organizers reportedly moved her upcoming match to a larger court due to “unprecedented public demand.”
Still, questions linger. Will the media frenzy distract from her game—or fuel it? Can she carry this momentum to the later rounds of Roland Garros, where she’ll likely face off against top-seeded competition?
And, of course, the question on everyone’s mind: Is Luca Moretti just a rumor—or something much more real?
For now, Eala seems to be enjoying the speculation. In a final moment from the interview that’s already been turned into countless memes, she looked directly into the camera and said with a grin:
“Watch the game. Maybe you’ll find the answers there.”
With the eyes of the world fixed on Paris, one thing’s for certain—Alexandra Eala has already won the headlines. Whether she can win the tournament too remains to be seen.
