Filipino Tennis Star Alex Eala Captivates US Open with Fervent Fan Support
POLICY WIRE — New York, USA — The ardent supporters of Alexandra Eala, hailing from the Philippines, arrived at the U.S. Open armed with Filipino flags and hats emblazoned with “Laban...
POLICY WIRE — New York, USA — The ardent supporters of Alexandra Eala, hailing from the Philippines, arrived at the U.S. Open armed with Filipino flags and hats emblazoned with “Laban Alex,” urging her to persevere. They enthusiastically cheered her powerful groundstrokes, captured her every move with cameras, and even shared the moments via FaceTime with loved ones.
This fervor was evident even at the practice courts, hours before Eala’s first-round match on Monday night. Despite many fans not having tickets for the evening session, the practice court was packed to the brim. They were there solely to witness their idol in action, hitting tennis balls.
This overwhelming support is no surprise, considering the massive and growing fan base that has rallied behind the charismatic 21-year-old. This summer alone, Eala has achieved remarkable feats, including defeating Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon and securing her first tour singles title. Currently ranked 18th in the world, she advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mary Stoiana, finishing with a confident smile.
Among the spectators at the practice session was Andrea Belen, a 21-year-old premed student at New York University. Belen, who is the same age as Eala, admitted that she was not a big tennis fan until Eala emerged—someone who looked just like her. Belen’s father, residing in Cleveland with roots in Laguna, Philippines, has also become a tennis enthusiast, driven by his admiration for Eala. it is his new obsession, Belen remarked. it is become the family hobby.
Belen and her friend, Sarah Frederick, arrived at the practice court well before Eala’s appearance, correctly anticipating that seats would fill up quickly. Belen highlighted that in the Philippines, basketball and boxing are the dominant sports, with male athletes as the heroes. it is just really nice to see a woman out there, Belen said. “Also, she speaks in our native language, Tagalog.”
As Belen conversed and Eala practiced her groundstrokes, a voice from behind called out: “Yay, Alex!” Ellene Santos, a 67-year-old from Orlando, Florida, had traveled to the tournament without tickets for the evening match. Nevertheless, Santos was ecstatic to catch a glimpse of Eala. I’m happy now, she expressed.
After the practice session concluded, four retired nurses, all friends, made their way to the exit, donning bright blue hats with the phrase “Laban Alex,” encouraging her to fight on. “I love how Alex shows she is so proud to be from the Philippines,” said Joy Rodriguez, 65, explaining her fervent support. Her friend, Maria Espiritu, 67, revealed that this was her first-ever tennis tournament.
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Nearby, Frances Arespacochaga, 77, was taking photos with fellow attendees. Arespacochaga, who lives in Manila and was visiting her sister in Massachusetts, drove down to see Eala at the U.S. Open, proudly waving flags. She’s very intelligent, very articulate, Arespacochaga said of Eala. In her interviews, you can see her values.
Belen, who FaceTimed with her father during the practice session so he could see Eala, spoke of a unique Filipino pride in the accomplishments of their compatriots. She drew a parallel with gymnast Carlos Yulo, who won two gold medals at the Paris Olympics in 2024. “Everyone went crazy,” she recalled. We’re not that big of a country, so those golds meant so much. She added: We’re very loud when it comes to supporting our people.
If Eala continues to excel at the U.S. Open, the cheers are sure to grow even louder.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
