TIME100 Next 2026, an annual list by the American magazine TIME, highlights 100 rising personalities who are considered influential in their fields. Among those selected is Alexandra Eala, a 21-year-old tennis player from the Philippines. Eala is the only tennis player in this year's edition and is listed in the "Innovators" category. Currently ranked 18th in the world, Eala is making waves as the first Filipino tennis player to reach the Top 20 globally. She previously broke into the Top 100 and Top 50, marking her as one of the most prominent sports figures in her country. Rafael Nadal, the former world number one and winner of 22 Grand Slam titles, wrote the article about Eala for TIME. He noted that Eala was the first player he shared a court with after his retirement. Nadal mentioned that Eala had offered to hit some balls with him, and he had taken up a racket for the first time in several months. Nadal has known Eala since she joined the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2018, when she was just 13 years old. He has followed her career closely and praised both her athletic development and her character. Eala's achievements have been significant, and her recent schedule has been particularly demanding. She chose to forgo the WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing to represent the Philippines at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. On Wednesday, she defeated Joanna Garland 7-5, 6-0 in the quarterfinals, securing at least a bronze medal in singles. Now, she must face Xiyu Wang in the semifinals to earn a spot in the final. Eala's journey has not only brought her international recognition but also inspired many in the Philippines. Her selection in TIME100 Next 2026 underscores her growing influence in the world of tennis and beyond. As she continues to compete on the global stage, her career remains a source of pride for her nation.