Philippine tennis trailblazer Alexandra Eala poised to bring fervent following to US Open
Eala’s growing fan base, improving game – she won her first WTA title this month – could make her one of the main attractions at final major
Philippine tennis trailblazer Alexandra Eala has emerged as one of the sport’s fastest-rising players after a breakthrough season, and her growing fan base and improving game could make her one of the main attractions at the United States Open.
Former world No 4 Mary Joe Fernandez said the scale and intensity of support for Eala had become increasingly apparent over the past year, recalling packed practice sessions at the Miami Open and vocal crowds at recent tournaments.
“Her following, the fans that just come to watch her not just play her match, but to watch her practise, is off the charts,” ESPN commentator Fernandez told reporters on a conference call this week.
“It’s just gotten bigger and bigger everywhere she goes.