Alex Eala’s Australian Open debut didn’t exactly go to plan…
The Filipina lost her first-round match to Alycia Parks in three sets, 6-0, 3-6, 2-6.
However, it was before her opening match that Eala found herself in a ‘dangerous’ situation.
What does Alexandra Eala need to improve in 2026 to challenge for a Grand Slam title?
Appearing as a guest on the latest episode of ‘The Player’s Box Podcast‘, Eala shared what happened to her after a practice session in Melbourne.
Alex Eala couldn’t move due to overcrowding after her Australian Open practice
Eala’s popularity reached new heights in Melbourne, with fans forming long queues to catch a glimpse of her practice sessions.
“That’s another thing I had to get used to, my practices,” said Eala.
“That’s how I knew, I was like, Okay, things have changed, is when they are waiting for my practices.
“At the beginning of the year, it was a little overwhelming for me, in terms of that exposure.
“In Australia, I trained outside, on one of the courts, you know, there’s the bleachers on the sides, and there’s kind of this ramp going up… And I did not have security, next time, I will probably make sure they’re there!
“But after training, it was full. I went out of the court, and the traffic of people coming, because they wanted me to sign, I couldn’t move!
“And there’s a wall back here [gestures].
“The traffic of people couldn’t see what was happening over there; they’re all just pushing, they’re all pushing you against the wall. I was getting closer and closer to the wall.
“I was like, oh, that’s kind of dangerous.
“I was with my dad and my coach, and I just shouted, ‘Wait, give me some space, or I’m going to get run over.’
“Then they all stopped, and I made my way through.”
Eala, learning just how popular she was, decided that security was necessary.
“Do you remember when you came into the locker room after that practice, you were like, oh my god, so many people?” asked Desirae Krawczyk.
“I was like, you know, you can ask for security? She’s like, wait, really?
“Yes! Ask for security.
“Then you went out, practiced on one of the main courts, came back, and were like, Oh my gosh, the security helped so much. Like yeah! You’re crazy big here.”
“That was also part of me not accepting it,” added Eala.
“Why do I need security? I’m going to practise. I don’t want to feel like my head is here [getting bigger], but when it comes to safety…”
Eala now knows how much of a superstar she has become, not just in Australia, but around the world.
World number five Jessica Pegula recalled a story from the Dubai Tennis Championships earlier this year before asking Eala where she gets the most crowd support.
“Des [Krawczyk] and I were both in Dubai, you could hear your match from the hotel, which was really funny,” said Pegula.
Does anybody else even come close to Alex Eala’s popularity right now?
“My coach was like, I heard this noise outside, what is going on?
“I haven’t heard this loud noise at all. Then he looked, and it was for Alex’s match; it was wild.
“Where do you feel like, so far, that you’ve played, do you think you have the most support?”
“I think New York is a big one, New York was big, Melbourne, at home, and Dubai,” said Eala.
“The Middle East in general has a huge population of Filipinos, not a lot of people know that, I guess.
“I was talking to one of the players in the physio room, it was before going to Abu Dhabi. She was like, if you have a crowd there, you’ll have a crowd anywhere, because the Middle-Eastern tournaments are known for not being as packed as other tournaments.
“I was like, wait, you don’t even know the number of Filipinos that are there.
“So it’s like the opposite, for me, those areas are where I have the most crowds, whereas for other players, maybe they would have the least.”
Her fans will continue to support her over the coming months, but where is Eala heading next?
What’s next for Alex Eala?
Eala confirmed her plans for the clay-court season during her latest podcast appearance.
“I go back to Spain tonight, and then I start again in Linz, and maybe Stuttgart, then Madrid, Rome… exciting!” she said.
Alex Eala’s 2026 clay-court schedule
- Linz Open – Begins April 6
- Stuttgart Open – Begins April 13
- Madrid Open – Begins April 20
- Italian Open – Begins May 5
- French Open – Begins May 18
The 20-year-old only won one main-draw WTA Tour match on clay last year, and will be determined to improve upon that record in 2026…
