Paris, May 21, 2025 – In a heartbreaking turn of events just days before the start of the 2025 Roland Garros tournament, rising tennis star Alexandra Eala has officially withdrawn from the competition. The announcement came unexpectedly and has left fans across the globe stunned.
At just 20 years old, Eala was set to make her much-anticipated main draw debut at Roland Garros after a season of solid performances and rising momentum on the WTA Tour. Her training sessions in Paris had drawn attention for their intensity, and many believed this was the year the young Filipina would make a major statement on clay.
But that all changed suddenly when her coach, Carlos Dominguez, delivered a brief but emotional statement to the press on the practice grounds. With a serious expression and a heavy voice, he simply said, “She just couldn’t do it anymore.”
Those five words instantly sparked a storm of speculation. Was it an injury? A personal crisis? Fans and media alike demanded answers.
Later that day, a member of her team confirmed the heartbreaking reason behind the decision. Alexandra had received news that her grandmother, whom she had described in past interviews as her greatest inspiration, had suffered a severe stroke back home in the Philippines. The emotional weight of the situation was too much to bear. Eala made the decision to fly home immediately and be with her family during the critical time.
For those who have followed her journey since her early years at the Rafa Nadal Academy, this choice came as no surprise. Known for her discipline, humility, and family-first values, Alexandra chose compassion over competition. It was a decision that won the hearts of many.
The tennis community quickly rallied around her. Coco Gauff, who had shared the court with Eala in junior tournaments, tweeted a heartfelt message: “Sending all my love to Alex and her family. Some things are bigger than tennis.”
Even Rafael Nadal, Eala’s longtime mentor, shared his support on social media. “Alexandra is a warrior, on and off the court. Real strength is knowing when to step back. I’m proud of her.”
In the Philippines, the news sparked an emotional response. Fans flooded social media with the hashtag #StayStrongAlex. Highlights of her career were reposted by supporters expressing love, sympathy, and pride. Some called it the most mature move by any young athlete this year.
Eala later posted a short message on Instagram, showing a photo of her tennis bag as she prepared to leave Paris. The caption read, “Not the way I wanted to go home, but sometimes life decides for you. See you soon.”
Her agent has since confirmed that Eala will be taking a short break from the tour and is expected to return in time for the US Open hard-court swing later this year. He also assured fans that Alexandra is physically healthy and looking forward to resuming her career after spending time with her loved ones.
Carlos Dominguez later spoke to reporters again, offering a few more words about the decision. “She trained harder than ever for this. But when that phone call came, everything changed. She did not lose a match. She made the right choice. Tennis can wait. Family cannot.”
For now, Alexandra Eala’s Roland Garros dream will have to wait. But this moment may well be remembered not for a match played or a title won, but for a powerful and deeply human decision. In a sport driven by pressure and performance, Eala reminded the world of the values that matter most.
As one fan put it perfectly online, “Trophies are temporary, but character is forever. And Alexandra Eala just showed us who she really is.”
