John OwolabiIt’s funny how quickly people change their tune when a rising star stumbles. One moment, Alex Eala is the pride of Philippine tennis, the symbol of possibility for a generation of young athletes. The next, after a tough loss to Janice Tjen, critics are rushing to tear her down, as if all her accomplishments have suddenly vanished into thin air. But here’s the truth: a single match does not define Alex, her career, or her future.
Let’s rewind for a second. Alex is only in her teens, yet she’s already achieved milestones many pros can only dream of. She’s represented the Philippines on the biggest stages, bagged titles on the ITF circuit, and carved a name for herself in the cutthroat world of international tennis. She’s not just competing—she’s breaking barriers and carrying an entire nation on her back every time she steps on the court. That’s not just talent, that’s grit.
And yet, because she loses one match, suddenly people are comparing her, criticizing her, and questioning her ceiling? That’s not just unfair—it’s ridiculous. Even the greatest players in tennis history—Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer—have suffered shocking defeats. Did anyone dare to say their careers were worthless after those losses? No. Because champions are not measured by avoiding defeat; they’re measured by how they rise after it.
Janice Tjen, to her credit, is a force of her own. She’s making strides and may soon reach her first WTA title. That’s an achievement worthy of respect, and she deserves her spotlight. But her progress doesn’t erase Alex’s. In tennis, there’s room for multiple stories of success. This is not a zero-sum game where one player’s rise signals another’s fall.
What people need to remember is that tennis is a marathon, not a sprint. Alex is still writing the early chapters of what could become a legendary career. If anything, this setback is just seasoning—it’s what gives champions their edge, their hunger, their fight. To dismiss her now is like slamming the book shut after the first plot twist, without waiting to see how the story unfolds.
This is the exact moment Alex needs support, not scorn. Every cheer, every show of belief from her fans, fuels her comeback. She’s already making history for the Philippines, inspiring kids who now dare to believe they, too, can step onto the world’s biggest tennis courts.
So instead of nitpicking one tough loss, let’s zoom out and see the bigger picture. Alex Eala is far from finished. In fact, she’s only getting started. And when the wins pile up again—as they surely will—those who doubted will be the same ones rushing back to celebrate her.
Musa
dam