The Australian Open tennis championships are reaching the end of their first week, but the hottest ticket so far hasn’t been Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek or Aryna Sabalenka.
Instead, observers were stunned by the queues to watch the world number 49, Alexandra Eala of the Philippines. Her first-round match had been put on court number 6, leaving many fans disappointed as they were left unable to find a seat. Martina Navratilova was among those who criticised the decision, saying: “The organisers need to keep more in mind where the players are from and what the actual fan base is here.”
Inside the court, stands were filled with fans bearing Philippines flags, raucously cheering their 20-year-old hero. But though she took the first set 6-0, her opponent, Alycia Parks, eventually found her feet, taking the next two sets 6-3 6-2 to put Eala out at the first hurdle.
A Rising Star and a Nation’s Hope
The 20-year-old Alexandra Eala’s unexpected draw at the Australian Open captivated fans and sparked a conversation about representation in tennis.
- Alexandra Eala, currently ranked 49th in the world, drew massive crowds to her Australian Open matches.
- Martina Navratilova publicly questioned the decision to schedule Eala’s first-round match on a smaller court.
- Eala’s popularity could ignite a surge in tennis participation in the Philippines.
- She first gained prominence at the 2025 Miami Open.
What explains the fervent support for Alexandra Eala, and could her success inspire a new generation of tennis players in the Philippines? The answer, it seems, lies in a compelling combination of athletic promise and national pride.
Ben Rothenberg, editor of the tennis magazine Bounces, has described Eala as “the most popular player in tennis right now.” He discussed with Ed Harry how Eala was catapulted into the spotlight at the 2025 Miami Open, her early experiences with the game, and her potential for future success.
Kate Reyes, who has followed Eala’s career for the Filipino sports website Spin.ph, explained the source of her widespread appeal. Reyes also shared her perspective on how Eala’s achievements could shape the future of tennis in the Philippines.
What makes Alexandra Eala’s story so unique? Her journey resonates deeply with Filipino fans, representing a source of national pride and inspiring hope for the future of the sport in the country.
The scenes at the Australian Open were striking. Fans waved Philippines flags and enthusiastically supported Eala, even as she faced a tough opponent in Alycia Parks. Despite a dominant first set victory—6-0—Parks rallied to win the next two sets 6-3, 6-2, ending Eala’s run in the tournament.
But the result, in many ways, felt secondary to the spectacle of Eala’s support. The sheer number of fans, and the vocal nature of their encouragement, underscored the significance of her presence on the global stage.
The question now is whether this momentum can translate into lasting change for tennis in the Philippines. Reyes believes Eala’s success has the potential to inspire a new wave of players and fans, fostering a greater appreciation for the sport within the country.
