Alexandra Eala has been one of the standout stories of the year, with her popularity reaching fever pitch at the first few tournaments of the year.
Eala’s popularity has been compared to Coco Gauff’s already, with fans queuing outside to get in her matches at the Australian Open.
The 20-year-old’s popularity continued in Abu Dhabi, Manila, and Dubai, and she’s currently one of the biggest ticket shifters in tennis.
As her popularity swirls, Eala has been warned that her new-found success could eventually become a burden.
Alexandra Eala told her huge crowds could add too much pressure
Speaking to Tennis365, Sky Sports Tennis’ Gigi Salmon heaped praise on Eala’s incredible surge in popularity this year.
“I would say, in terms of her appeal, the crowds that follow her, she might already be the biggest star. Coco Gauff said after one of her matches recently that she was really sorry for holding up a match with Alex and promise the fans that she would be out soon.
“Players are already saying, which they used to say with Roger Federer, I know you didn’t come to support me, but thank you very much. I remember Miami last year.
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?
“I spoke to her a few times on that run through to the semi-final and the crowds were phenomenal. And this year in the Middle East, it’s been sensational.”
However, Salmon believes Eala’s popularity could increase the pressure the 20-year-old feels during matches.
“In Dubai, it was a like a pop concert. It was like a Taylor Swift was playing. People were screaming and maybe that can become a burden at some point, but I like the fact that at the moment, she just seems to be flourishing.
Does anybody else even come close to Alex Eala’s popularity right now?
“She thanked them all and she’s a superstar. I just think she’s got everything. She hits a big ball. She’s training at the Rafael Nadal Academy, we know she’s done it for a few years, but I think she can go far.”
Eala will next appear at Indian Wells, where her ranking of World No. 31 has earned her seeded entry and a first round bye.
Why Alexandra Eala could become the new Emma Raducanu
Much was made of Emma Raducanu’s decision to switch from Nike to Uniqlo, but it could position Eala as the new ‘IT-girl’ for the American sportswear giant.
Eala is currently represented by Nike, but she will surely be landing an even bigger deal soon due to her immense new-found success.
What does Alexandra Eala need to improve in 2026 to challenge for a Grand Slam title?
The Filipina recently shared videos on her social media of a visit to Nike’s HQ in America ahead of Indian Wells.
With Raducanu now gone, Eala will perfectly fit the mould for tennis’ next top rising star. Grand Slam success has not come for the Filipina yet, but she will undoubtedly make the company as much money.
