“I Want Jordan to Be Like Her”: Ashleigh Barty’s Unexpected Praise for Alexandra Eala Sparks Global Tennis Conversation
In the quiet glow of a family celebration marking her daughter Jordan’s first birthday, Ashleigh Barty did something few expected.
The former world No.1 and three-time Grand Slam champion, long admired for her measured words and preference for privacy, opened up in an exclusive interview that has since reverberated across the tennis world.
What began as a tender reflection on motherhood quickly turned into a heartfelt tribute to a rising star from the Philippines — Alexandra Eala — and, in the process, ignited widespread discussion about role models, resilience, and the future of women’s tennis.
Barty, who welcomed Jordan — her second daughter with husband Garry Kissick — in early 2025, spoke candidly about how motherhood has reshaped her worldview. Yet it was one particular moment, she revealed, that stopped her in her tracks.
Holding little Jordan in her arms after the birthday celebrations, Barty said her thoughts drifted unexpectedly to Eala, the young Filipino player who has been steadily making waves on the WTA Tour.
“After looking at little Jordan in my arms, I suddenly thought,” Barty admitted, “‘If my daughter grew up with half the resilience, intelligence, and calm demeanour of Alexandra Eala, I would be completely satisfied.’”
Those words alone were enough to send shockwaves through the tennis community. But Barty didn’t stop there.
She went on to describe Eala as “not just talented, but a perfect role model — a young woman full of strength, who knows how to overcome pressure while still keeping a smile.” Her final line, delivered with disarming honesty, became the headline heard around the world: “I wish Jordan would be just like Alex.”
For a sport accustomed to polite praise and guarded compliments, Barty’s comments felt unusually personal — and powerful. Coming from one of Australia’s most respected sporting figures, they carried a weight that went far beyond a standard endorsement.
Social media lit up within hours, with fans, former players, and commentators dissecting every sentence.
Many praised Barty for recognising qualities beyond trophies and rankings, while others noted how rare it is for a legend of her stature to speak so openly about another player as a model for her own child.
Alexandra Eala’s journey, after all, is one that resonates far beyond tennis scorelines. A former junior Grand Slam champion, Eala has long been viewed as one of Asia’s brightest prospects.
But in recent seasons, it has been her composure under pressure, her articulate presence off court, and her quiet resilience through setbacks that have drawn admiration from peers and veterans alike.
In a sport where young talents are often defined by hype, Eala has built a reputation grounded in discipline and emotional intelligence — qualities Barty clearly values as a mother.
Australian tennis analysts were quick to contextualise the moment. Barty’s career was defined not only by her skill but by her balance — her ability to step away at the peak of her powers, prioritising mental health and personal fulfilment.
In praising Eala’s calm demeanour and strength, many saw Barty reflecting her own values back through the lens of the next generation. It was less about comparison, and more about aspiration.
In Manila, the reaction was electric. Filipino media hailed Barty’s words as validation of Eala’s impact on the global stage. Young players across the country shared the quote online, describing how it reinforced their belief that character matters as much as results.
Coaches and sports psychologists pointed to the moment as evidence of a shifting narrative in elite sport — one that celebrates emotional maturity alongside athletic excellence.
What made the interview particularly compelling was its timing. Barty has largely stayed out of the spotlight since retiring, choosing instead to focus on family life and selective ambassadorial roles. Her decision to speak so openly now suggested something deeper than casual admiration.
Parenthood, she explained, has sharpened her appreciation for role models who embody balance and inner strength — qualities she hopes her daughters will one day carry into whatever paths they choose.
“Talent will take you far,” Barty said during the interview, “but it’s how you handle pressure, how you treat people, and how you carry yourself when things don’t go your way that truly defines you.” While she never positioned Eala as flawless, her message was clear: in Alexandra Eala, she sees a blueprint worth admiring.
As the tennis world digests Barty’s words, attention has inevitably turned to what this means for Eala herself. Those close to the Filipino star suggest she was both humbled and surprised by the praise, understanding the responsibility that comes with being labelled a role model by a global icon.
Yet if her past responses to pressure are any indication, Eala is unlikely to let the moment distract her from her goals.
Ultimately, the story is about more than one interview or one rising star. It reflects a broader evolution in how greatness is defined in modern sport.
Ashleigh Barty’s unexpected confession — rooted in motherhood, respect, and reflection — has reminded fans that legacy is not just about titles, but about the values passed on to the next generation.
And for little Jordan, too young to understand the stir her mother’s words have caused, the message is simple yet profound.
In a world often obsessed with winning, Ashleigh Barty has made it clear what she truly hopes her daughter will inherit: resilience, intelligence, calm — and the courage to smile through it all.
