Alex Eala addresses stunning Manny Pacquiao comparison ahead of Cincinnati Open

Alex Eala's sharp rise to the top of world tennis has drawn comparisons to boxing icon and fellow Filipino, Manny Pacquiao, ahead of the Cincinnati Open.

Eala is arguably the most popular female tennis player on the planet right now, with fans turning out in droves to support the 21-year-old after an extraordinary 2026 so far.

She won the Birmingham Challenger event on grass and followed that up by getting to the semi-finals of the Berlin Open and her very first fourth round of Wimbledon.

Most impressively, Eala became the first Filipina to win a WTA singles title with victory over Jessica Pegula in the final of the Washington Open on August 3.

After experiencing an incredible high at Rock Creek Park, the rising star was then brought back down to earth at the Canadian Open, suffering a round-of-16 exit at the hands of Belinda Bencic.

Eala, who has played more matches on the WTA Tour than any other player in 2026, returns to action at the Cincinnati Open on Saturday.

Having climbed into the world's top 20, the youngster was given a first-round bye and will start her campaign in the last 64, facing the winner of the Magda Linette and Elena-Gabriela Ruse match.

Heading into the tournament as the 17th seed, Eala was handed a tough draw, including the possibility of facing 10th-ranked and two-time Grand Slam finalist Amanda Anisimova should she progress into the third round.

For now, though, her focus will be on avoiding an upset this weekend as she aims to produce more impressive performances at the Masters 1000 event.

READ NEXT: Alex Eala's nightmare Cincinnati Open route revealed with Aryna Sabalenka waiting at the end

Alex Eala hails 'legend' Manny Pacquiao as comparison addressed

Eala has reached levels of adoration from millions of Filipino's that few ever achieve, drawing comparisons to the legendary Manny Pacquiao.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, Pacquiao became an eight-division world champion - the first in boxing history - with a record of 62 wins from 73 professional fights.

The 47-year-old is naturally the most recognisable Filipino sportsman ever and is an inspiration to Eala, whose fanfare has drawn comparisons to him.

"He is such a legend and has done so much for us Filipino athletes to pave the way," Eala said when asked about the similarities.

"The feeling he gave us was great… and my journey can give similar things. It is very flattering."

Eala made those comments after being congratulated by Pacquiao himself on social media following her historic WTA title win.

"To Alex Eala, congratulations on your victory. Thank you for bringing honor to our country. We are cheering for you. We are proud of you,” he said after her triumph at the Washington Open.

It will take a long time to reach the level of her Filipino compatriot in the sport, but at the age of 21, she has plenty of years ahead to enjoy a successful tennis career.

And having already recorded her first WTA singles victory, she will be looking to win her first major at the US Open later this month.