There was plenty of expectation that Alexandra Eala might produce something special at the Australian Open, but she was defeated in the first round.
Eala was watched on by thousands of Filipinos, but she was defeated in three sets by American Alycia Parks.
The Filipina star took the first set by 6-0, but could not capitalise on the advantage and will now have to focus on doubles.
Mere hours after suffering the shock loss, Eala took to social media to share an uplifting message with her fans.
Alexandra Eala sends message to fans after Australian Open defeat
The loss to Parks was no doubt a crushing blow for Eala, but she has remained positive throughout her media duties.
The 20-year-old was a class act during her press conference, in which she celebrated Parks and the fans who flocked to court number six at Melbourne Park.
Does anybody else even come close to Alex Eala’s popularity right now?
On Instagram, Eala shared another statement following her very first Australian Open main draw match.
“Tough loss today, but dropping this here as a reminder to be happy about living out your dreams! Even if it comes with bad days!”
Eala will return to action at the Australian Open in the doubles draw, where she will team with Brazilian Ingrid Martins.
Alexandra Eala reacts to receiving more views than Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic
Eala’s popularity has reached new levels at the Australian Open, but it’s also happening all over the world on the internet.
The star’s interviews and press conferences are being viewed more than any other player on YouTube, including the top players in the world.
Eala responded to her overwhelming new stardom in her press conference at the first Grand Slam of the year.
How high do you think Alexandra Eala’s ceiling is?
“Like I said in the last press conference, taking everything with a spoonful of gratitude. I’m nowhere near the leagues of, of course, the greats, Djokovic, and then now Sabalenka and Alcaraz and all of these people. I have so much respect for them. I think everyone does.
But yeah, I like to think that I have a following for a reason. I like to think that the impact that I’ve had and the platform that I’ve built has a positive effect on a certain demographic and my demographic.
Yeah so, I mean, I guess this is one of the moments that I can reflect on what this means for Philippine tennis. I’m the only Filipina in the draw this year. I’m the only Filipina that’s ever been in the draw, I think. So there are positives to take away.”
Eala could now return to her home country to compete at the Philippine Women’s Open, which is set to begin on 26 January.
