By Edwin Rollon
AMID the buzz surrounding Alex Eala’s rise, former Philippine No. 1 Marian Capadocia called on tennis fans and Filipinos to show respect and support for local players competing on the international stage.
Capadocia, a six-time Philippine Columbian Open champion, said Filipino netters—though still gaining experience in elite-level tournaments—deserve encouragement rather than criticism, especially those who took part in the ongoing WTA 125 tournament at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
The former national standout expressed pride in Eala’s success and welcomed the renewed interest in tennis, but cautioned netizens against unfairly judging local players who are still navigating the challenges of international competition.
“Why can’t we simply support our fellow Filipinos who chose to play in the WTA PH? Having opinions is fine, but bashing players who only wanted to try, dream, and experience a higher level of competition is never acceptable,” Capadocia wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“Every athlete has their own journey, struggles, and sacrifices that we don’t always see.”
“If you have nothing good to say, it’s better to stay silent. Not every thought needs to be posted, especially when it hurts athletes who are already giving everything for our country,” added the 27-year-old.
Capadocia spoke in defense of Kaye Emana, one of three Filipinas who entered the tournament’s main draw via the qualifying rounds. Emana, a UAAP champion, bowed out early as her lack of international exposure proved costly against a higher-ranked foreign opponent.
Emana, along with Elizabeth Abarquez of Cebu City and Philippine No. 1 Tenny Madis, suffered straight-set losses in their respective matches.
In an interview, Emana admitted they were outmatched by opponents with superior skills and more extensive training abroad. Her remarks, however, drew negative reactions online, with some netizens even resorting to personal and appearance-based attacks.
Capadocia urged fans to stop comparing local players to Eala, stressing that the country’s tennis star earned her success through years of sacrifice and hard work.
“Alex has been working incredibly hard to be where she is today. She and her family sacrificed so much to reach that level. She didn’t get there overnight,” Capadocia said.
Her achievements should inspire people, not act as a standard to tear fellow Filipinos down.
She emphasized that Eala’s success has reignited interest in tennis and emboldened many local players to dream bigger.
“Before you judge, try stepping into their lives. Feel the pressure, the fear, the expectations, the sacrifices, the countless hours of training, the injuries, and the loneliness. Dreaming is not easy, especially as a Filipino athlete,” Capadocia stressed.
Eala, who spent her teenage years training in Spain at the Rafael Nadal Academy, has emerged as the new face of Philippine tennis. She advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Japan’s Himeno Sakatsume, 6-4, 6-0, on Wednesday night.
She is set to face fifth seed Camila Osorio of Colombia, who survived a grueling three-set win over Japan’s Mai Hontama, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, for a spot in the Final Four.
“Win or lose, athletes deserve support. Too often, praise only comes with victories while criticism grows louder in defeat,” Capadocia said.
“This is how people break confidence—and why many athletes eventually give up.”
