MANILA, Philippines — Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is making an impression beyond the court, with Vogue global editorial director Anna Wintour clocking her style.
In a video shared by the US Open on social media, Wintour discussed how tennis players have increasingly used fashion as a form of self-expression, citing Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka as examples.
“Well, I think it’s really interesting, especially when you look at players like Serena or Naomi who really embrace fashion and express themselves with it,” Wintour said.
She then singled out Eala as a young player who is already showing a keen interest in fashion.
“And we had the young Filipino star. You know, you could see even in such a young star how interested she is in fashion and how she wants to learn about it and follow it, and I think it’s great,” Wintour said.
“And it’s wonderful how sports and fashion have become this wonderful sort of marriage,” she added.
Wintour made the remarks during the US Open exhibition match featuring Roger Federer and Andy Roddick in New York, where she performed the ceremonial coin toss. Eala was among the spectators, along with fellow tennis player Eva Lys.
Eala wore a cropped mustard-yellow leather jacket with a pointed collar, button-front closure and cinched waist, paired with relaxed blue jeans.
The look was a fitting reflection of how Eala describes her evolving personal style.
“I think I would describe my on-court style as quite girly, I think. But also in a confident way, a little edgy. So I’m still trying to figure it out,” she said during the BPI press conference in Manila held earlier.
Eala has previously spoken about incorporating Filipino elements into her fashion choices, saying it allows her to honor her roots while also expressing her personal taste.
“I’ve started incorporating Filipino touches in my fashion. And I love that,” Eala said.
“I think on one hand, it is a way for me to pay tribute to my culture. And it’s a slight nod to where I come from. On the other hand, it’s also just because I genuinely think it’s really beautiful.”
Eala recalled wearing a sampaguita-inspired piece last year and the reaction it received.
“When I wore the sampaguita last year. Oh, my gosh. Everybody wanted one. Yes, I felt super beautiful. I felt confident on court and I was ready to play,” she said.
She also recalled wearing a terno at a recent event, describing the experience as another moment when fashion boosted her confidence.
“When I wore the Filipiniana, my mighty terno, at the L’Oréal Sports Awards this year, I felt so beautiful. I felt like a princess” Eala said.
“So I think, you know, I do love fashion. And I think as I’m growing older and as I have more events to go to, it’s something that I’ve definitely been tapping into. I’m finding my style,” she added.
