Alexandra Eala emerges as rising tennis star with growing fan base ahead of US Open

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.

“It’s almost like she’s playing a Billie Jean King Cup match when she’s out there,” she added. “Every point is loud. Every point she wins, it feels like she’s won more than a point.”

Eala claimed her first WTA title with a victory over Jessica Pegula in Washington this month and the 21-year-old’s triumph showed she was worthy of all the attention.