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FACT CHECK: No $45-million endorsement deal between Alex Eala and Wilson

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There are no news reports or announcements from the Filipina tennis star or Wilson Sporting Goods about the supposed deal

Claim: Filipina tennis star Alexandra Eala has accepted a $45 million endorsement deal offered by American sports equipment manufacturer Wilson Sporting Goods.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: As of writing, the Facebook post bearing the claim has 13,000 reactions, 1,200 comments, and 366 shares.

The post reads, Alexandra Eala ginulat ang mundo at ang Philippine media sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggap sa $45 million endorsement offer ni Wilson, isang brand na nangingibabaw sa tennis racket market: ‘Salamat sa pagtitiwala sa akin, pero kukunin ko ang pera na iyon at gagamitin ko ito sa isang bagay na tunay na nakakatulong sa iba, dahil maraming tao ang mas nangangailangan nito kaysa sa akin, at gusto kong patuloy na lumakas ang Pilipinas.’”

(Alexandra Eala shocked the world and the Philippine media by accepting a $45 million endorsement offer from Wilson, a brand that dominates the tennis racket market: “Thank you for trusting me, but I will take that money and use it for something that truly helps others, because many people need it more than me, and I want the Philippines to continue to grow stronger.”)

The post includes an image of Eala and former Wilson president and CEO Joe Dudy. Some commenters congratulated Eala for accepting the supposed offer to help her fellow Filipinos.

The facts: There is no confirmation of the supposed $45 million endorsement deal between Eala and Wilson. No announcements from Eala’s official and verified Instagram account or reputable sources and news organizations confirm the supposed deal.

Eala’s tennis career: Eala made history by becoming the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam junior singles title. She also secured her first World Tennis Association title at the Guadalajara 125 Open in Zapopan, Mexico, in September 2025.

The Filipina tennis star has defeated Grand Slam champions in other tournaments, including five-time major titlist Iga Swiatek and Australian Open queen Madison Keys. With these achievements, brands such as Nike, Babolat, Globe Telecom, and Bank of the Philippine Islands currently sponsor Eala.

Debunked: Vera Files also published a fact-check on September 12 on a similar post about the alleged $45 million deal between Eala and Wilson. On July 7, Rappler published a fact-check debunking a post that falsely claimed Eala donated P3.9 million for the homeless in Quezon City after winning the Eastbourne Open. – Owenh Toledo/Rappler.com

Owenh Toledo is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.

Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.

Entertainment

Victoria Mboko beats Cristina Bucsa in Hong Kong to claim her second WTA title

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Canadian 19-year-old rising starVictoria Mboko overcame world number 68 Cristina Bucsa from Spain 7-5 6-7 (9-11) 6-2 in the Hong Kong final to claim the second WTA title of her career.

Mboko converted her second break point in the sixth game to open up a 5-2 lead in the first set. Bucsa broke straight back at 15 in the ninth game to draw level to 5-5 after Mboko wasted three set points across the eighth and tenth games.

Mboko served out the 11th game with hold at 15 before breaking serve in the 12th game to close out the first set 7-5.

Mboko broke in the second game of the second set and held serve at love to open up a 3-0 lead. Bucsa broke back in the fifth game and held serve in the next game to draw level to 3-3. Bucsa earned her second break in the 11th game, but she failed to serve out for the second set in the 12th game, as Mboko broke straight back to draw level to 6-6. Mboko missed a championships point at 8-7 before Bucsa converted her fourth set point to force the match to the decider.

Mboko earned two breaks in the first and seventh games to close out a one-sided third set 6-2 on the third match point in the eighth game.

Last August Mboko won her first WTA 1000 title at the Canadian Open in Montreal. The Canadian player is set to break inside the top 20 for the first time in her career and reach a career-high by winning the WTA 250 title in Hong Kong.

 

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Jannik Sinner ends Carlos Alcaraz’s reign, reclaims world no. 1 honor

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On Monday, Jannik Sinner will start his second stint on the ATP throne! The Italian claimed his fifth Masters 1000 crown in Paris, earning 1000 ATP points and dethroning his greatest rival, Carlos Alcaraz.

Jannik leads Carlos 250 ATP points on the latest ATP ranking list, although he has to defend 1500 points at the ATP Finals in Turin. The 24-year-old has won 2050 points since Beijing, including three titles.

His latest success came in the French capital following a flawless performance, having beaten five rivals in straight sets en route to the trophy, his 23rd in a career. Sinner did not think about the year-end no. 1 battle with Alcaraz.

However, his latest run keeps him in contention for the ultimate honor, his second in a row after a dominant display in 2024. Jannik will embrace his 66th world no. 1 week on Monday, moving closer to Stefan Edberg’s 72.

The San Candido native has won five ATP titles in 2025, including three notable ones. Sinner went back to the drawing board following the US Open title clash defeat to Alcaraz.

He brought his improvements to the Asian swing and extended his brilliant run on indoor courts to raise above all the rivals and conquer the ATP throne for the second time.

While not playing at his best physically, the Italian still endured all the efforts in Paris and became the fourth player to conquer a notable indoor event without losing a set.

Jannik dismantled injured Alexander Zverev in the semi-final and arranged the title clash against Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Canadian chased his first Masters 1000 crown and fought well in a 6-4, 7-6 defeat.

The Italian provided another indoor masterclass, serving well and maintaining the pressure on the other side. Sinner faced no break points and seized one of six opportunities on the return, missing a chance to move over the top earlier.

Jannik tamed his strokes nicely and forged the upper hand in the more advanced rallies. The Italian will take a well-deserved rest before heading to Turin, hoping to finish the season on a high note and claim another trophy.

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Djokovic learns fate in new home as Sabalenka addresses behaviour

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Express Sport brings you the latest tennis news from the Paris Masters.

We’re reaching the business end of the Paris Masters, as eight players become four in the French capital. Jannik Sinner is the overwhelming favourite to lift the trophy after Carlos Alcaraz was dumped out by Cameron Norrie in the Spaniard’s opening match. Norrie was then beaten by Valentin Vacherot, whose amazing 10-match winning streak at Masters 1000 level came to an end when he lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Canadian star Auger-Aliassime will face Alexander Bublik in the semis. Bublik defeated Alex de Minaur, who is among those to have already qualified for the year-end ATP Finals. Sinner is through to his first Paris Masters semi-final after beating Ben Shelton. He’ll face defending champion Alexander Zverev, who survived a tough match against Daniil Medvedev.

Novak Djokovic is not involved in the Paris Masters, having decided to skip the event for the second year in a row, but he has learned his fate in the draw of next week’s ATP 250 in Athens. And over in Riyadh, the WTA Finals are about to get underway.

 

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