Alexandra Eala has once again vocalised her admiration for the Brazilian crowds, comparing them to those in her home nation.
After her first-round match at the Sao Paulo Open in Brazil, the 20-year-old expressed her surprise at the number of fans present for her match.
Eala, who was recently congratulated by Rafael Nadal after winning her first WTA title, again paid tribute to the Brazilian fans following her second-round victory over Julia Riera.
The young star, seeded third at the tournament, swept past the Argentinian player in one hour and 17 minutes, securing her place in the quarter-finals.
Alexandra Eala says Brazilian tennis fans are ‘super hospitable’ like in the Philippines
During her post-match interview, Eala credited the Brazilian fans for their hospitality, comparing their support to her home country: the Philippines.
She said: “I said the other day that the Brazilians are super hospitable.
“That’s one thing I think you have in common with the Philippines, so I’m feeling at home. I loved the atmosphere tonight.”
Eala’s superb form has shown little sign of deteriorating, with her 6-1 6-4 victory over Riera on Wednesday marking her seventh consecutive win.
Eala will face another young star in the Sao Paulo Open quarter-finals: Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, who has impressed at the tournament so far.
Tjen, 23, defeated seventh seed Leolia Jeanjean in the first round, before demolishing Martina Okalova 6-1 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals.
Alexandra Eala wants to learn more about Brazilian culture
Following her victory, Eala further discussed her first impressions of Brazil.
During an interview with Brazilian media after the match, Eala said: “Yeah, as you said, Brazil this is my first time, so I’m excited to see the place.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about it and it’s my first time in South America in general.
“Aside from the title I’d love to learn more about the culture and of course, tennis-wise, I think my goal is to keep the level that I have and every match, you know, you learn something new.”
