“Eala’s magic, good problem” - Djokovic

THERE’s a magical phenomenon have been sweeping the tennis community, international and local scene. Even the sport’s legends and current superstars were truly amazed the support shown not only by Filipino fans worldwide, but also foreigners, to rising star Alexandra Eala, who had been a trending topic throughout her journey to greatness.

Though tagged with a muscle name Alex, she’s good as she looks. On and off the court. Having a soft spot for adoring fans, autograph or selfies seekers nowadays.Remained humble and feet always on the ground, not to be distracted or carried away by popularity here and abroad as admirable as she can be.

For the first time, the 20-year old Eala will make her first appearance on Jan.26 ( today) as she competes in the first Philippine WTA 125 Women's Open and it is expected to have a mammoth crowd to fill up the newly renovated Rizal Tennis Centre, which the Philippine Sports Commission rushed the refurbishing in just a matter of days. Transforming the old venue into world class standard, with additional 600 more seats.

Likewise expected aside from huge crowd to turn up, are foreign and world ranked players, among the cast is Eala’ familiar foe is Russia’s Alina Charaeva, who’s world ranked 160, has a career-high singles rated of 142 and has won singles title on the ITF Women’s Circuit. While Eala is currently jumped to no.49 following her semifinal stint in ASB Classics in Auckland, New Zealand and before lifting the trophy of the W25 ITF tournament with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Luksika Kumkhum.

Because of that, Alex gained a wildcards entry in the Australian Open main draw. But was met an early exit after first round loss to a bad mouthing American Alycia Parks, 6-0,3-6,2-6. Though Eala’s loss were the fans and followers’ gained, as she was mobbed by autograph, selfies seekers and minions of Filipino supporters just to get a glimpse of her, touch and shake hands.

Eala’s charismatic image and warmth hearted, drew an incredible support from Filipinos, residing, working and migrant settlers from down under long before the Eala-Park match started. The Filipinos overwhelming support admiration, organizers had to call in the police to reinforce the event security to insure Eala’s safety before and after the match.

The said Eala-Parks contest, was regarded by Australian News TV, turned out to be the largest gathering of crowd in the history of the AO, as played only on a mid-size court six, which not all Filipino supporters were able to get into the venue, while hundreds and thousands more left out, contemplated themselves watching match in the big screen. Enduring poor seating condition. But for our kababyan it’s all worth it.

A couple of former grand slam champions of the Aussie Open were American Lindsay Davenport and legendary Martina Navratilova, who is an18-time Slam champion, were both amazed by the support of the massive crowd. Navratilova even criticised the organizers for its failure to anticipate the huge number of crowd.

The former Czech-born Navratilova, who with Davenport were the match’s analysts, suggested the next time Eala play, put her in a bigger court, so more people can watch the game, while urging the AO organisers to keep in mind the fan base and where the players came from. Make the schedule, massive Filipino crowd out there, she said.

One Aussie news commentator, upon witnessing huge crowd at court six. describe it “This is a blockbuster, not all can get in, never been seen in this tournament, there we’re about 100,000 more left outside the venue, he uttered. Current men’s singles’ champion NovaK described Eala’s phenomenon, as “good problem”.