Alex Eala reveals uncle Rhett Eala designed the elegant Filipiniana she wore at Laureus Awards 2026

Alex Eala revealed her uncle, Filipino fashion designer Rhett Eala, was behind her elegant Filipiniana on the red carpet of the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, Spain.

In an interview with Tennis Channel, the Filipina tennis ace shared the process came together in a very short time, but she was determined to fulfill her dream of wearing a Filipiniana on a red carpet.

“I always had this dream [that] when I’m on a red carpet, I’ll wear what’s called a Filipiniana,” she said, describing the traditional Philippine formal attire.

“It’s my first major red carpet, and this is the time [to wear a Filipiniana],” she added.

According to Alex, her uncle was able to bring her vision to life in less than a week, with the gown shipped to Spain just in time for the prestigious event.

“In a couple of days, it was shipped out,” she said. “My uncle Rhett Eala, [he’s] amazing, he delivered.”

“I felt like a princess,” she added.

Meanwhile, on Instagram, Alex doubled down on her gratitude and pride to wear a Filipiniana for her first international red-carpet appearance.

“I doubt there are many pieces of clothing that make a Filipina feel more beautiful than a Filipiniana,” the World No. 44 said.

She added that the elegant ensemble was “a quiet nod to where I come from and what I carry when I step into rooms like those.”

Alex also shared that it was an honor to wear one of Rhett’s creations.

“Makes it even more special that there is a piece of family,” she said.

During the event, Alex got to meet Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu.

Fresh from her red carpet appearance, Alex defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia in the Round of 128 at the WTA 1000 Madrid Open.

She is set to face Elise Mertens in the Round of 64.

Presented annually since 2000, the Laureus World Sports Awards nominees are selected by the global media, while the winners are determined by the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy.

Listen to Alex talk about her Filipiniana beginning at the 3:05-mark.

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