Alex Eala credits parents for her grounded nature: 'They would never allow me to be arrogant' - GMA Network

HONG KONG — Alex Eala reached a career-high of World No. 17 this week, yet one trait that many of her Filipino fans consistently observe is her humility and down-to-earth nature.

Following her straight-sets victory over Australia's Emerson Jones in the first round, Eala was asked during a press conference how her parents raised her to remain grounded and free of arrogance.

The question originated from a group of overseas Filipino workers who had eagerly waited for Eala outside the tennis stadium ahead of her opening match.

Alex said that the question would be best answered by her parents, adding that she could not fully speak to the experience since she is not yet a parent herself.

The 21-year-old Filipino tennis star expressed deep gratitude to her parents, emphasizing that they always “lead by example.”

"So, they are humble and they would never allow me to be arrogant, ever," she said in Filipino.

"And that's always been a point, in our values, among others, among many, many others."

Eala's first-round match was originally scheduled against Alycia Parks, whom she had faced twice earlier this year at the Australian Open and the Toronto Open.

However, at 6:32 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, press members were informed that Parks had withdrawn from the tournament due to a shoulder injury.

Jones stepped in as a lucky loser replacement, setting up the clash where Eala ultimately triumphed in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.

With the victory, Eala advances to face the Czech Republic's Tereza Valentova in the second round of the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open. —JCB, GMA News