Alexandra Eala is one of the most popular players in sports, let alone tennis.
Despite being ranked outside the world’s top 30, Eala has become one of the most followed players on the WTA Tour.
The Filipina has been greeted by packed stands and raucous crowds throughout 2026, with her presence contributing to fan attendance records in Melbourne and Abu Dhabi.
Most recently, Eala participated in the Dubai Tennis Championships, where she was supported by incredible crowds throughout her victories against Hailey Baptiste, Jasmine Paolini and Sorana Cirstea.
Does anybody else even come close to Alex Eala’s popularity right now?
Eala’s popularity has led many to question: is Eala the most popular player on the WTA Tour?
Steve Johnson says Alex Eala is the biggest draw in tennis ahead of Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka
On the Nothing Major show, former world number nine Sam Querrey asked: “Is she [Eala] the biggest draw in women’s tennis right now in the world?”
Steve Johnson, another American former tennis star, replied: “Yes.”
Querrey added a follow-up question: “Is she bigger than Sabalenka, is she bigger than Coco?
Johnson again replied: “Yes. Dude, it’s crazy. She’s having the same effect that Fonseca was having on the men’s side last year in Miami, Australia – the court was standing room only.
“Then, Dubai [had] standing room only. It’s insane, like it’s massive the crowds she’s getting, like all over the world, are insane.
Querrey continued the discussion, adding: “It’s like people are pouring on. It’s like the news is just getting bigger and bigger.
“Whatever tournament she’s in. I’m assuming it’s the Filipino community from wherever they are in that part of the world have to see her.
“It’s like [Joao] Fonseca but I think it’s bigger than Fonseca… she’s already been on the cover of Vogue and she’s like playing well right now too! If she wins a Slam it would be one of the biggest things in the world.”
Querrey then asked if he expected Eala’s fanfare to travel with her to Indian Wells, which is set to begin on March 4.
Alex Eala’s best singles ranking per year
| Year | Best ranking |
| 2020 | 1180 |
| 2021 | 505 |
| 2022 | 214 |
| 2023 | 189 |
| 2024 | 143 |
| 2025 | 50 |
| 2026 | 31 |
Eala, now the world number 31, will be a seeded player at a WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career when she plays in Indian Wells.
Isner said: “Yeah, it’s everywhere. It’s a huge market. I think a lot of people underestimated how big that market is. They finally have a star on the women’s side of the game. It would be the same if they had a men’s star as well.
“There are some huge markets with untapped potential. They just need players to emerge and make a name for themselves and that’s what Alex has done so far.
“She’s obviously one to watch… obviously because she’s so good, but just for the atmosphere. You want to tune into her matches just to see what it’s like on the court.”
Querrey continued: “She was unknown until Miami last year. I think we can all kind of agree on that. But she is just like an absolute rockstar.
What is the best win of Alexandra Eala’s career so far? 🤔
Iga Swiatek in Miami, Clara Tauson at the US Open, Jasmine Paolini in Dubai, or a different match?
“Even though she’s not top 10 in the world, when you get to these tournaments now she has to play in Centre Court, just like that Fonseca issue in Miami last year, because the crowds are so big.
“Maybe not Centre Court, but at least the second biggest court at any venue she goes to because she’s drawing in that big of a crowd.
“There’s got to be a little jealousy, maybe from some of the other women? That this girl’s coming in, she’s not the top 10, biggest star in the world.
“And on the men’s side, too. I’m sure some guys were jealous of Fonseca when he was the superstar, too. Also not top 10.”
Where was Alex Eala ranked five years ago?
On February 23, 2021, 15-year-old Alexandra Eala had already begun her rise up the WTA rankings.
The Filipina was ranked 763rd in the world, 632 places below her current ranking in 2026.
In 2021, 16-year-old Eala became the first Filipina to win a WTA Tour match, defeating former world number 59 Paula Ormaechea of Argentina, 7-5, 6-2, to advance to the Round of 16.
Eala lost to Mayar Sherif in the second round, 2-6, 2-6.
