Alexandra Eala was unable to take advantage of her strong start in Australia, eventually losing her first-round match to Alycia Parks.
Eala began the match in fine form, winning the first set 6-0. However, she was unable to capitalise, losing the next two sets 6-3, 6-2.
Despite the loss, there were positives for Eala to take away from the match; most notably, the level of support she received in the stadium.
Fans poured into Court Six to watch Eala play, leading to queues outside the stadium and a plethora of Filipino flags displayed in the crowd.
Eala’s popularity is evident for all to see, not least to Andy Roddick.
Does anybody else even come close to Alex Eala’s popularity right now?
Andy Roddick says Alexandra Eala’s following is ‘crazy impressive’
Andy Roddick, the former world number one, has been left stunned by the popularity of Alexandra Eala.
“People come out for their stars,” Roddick said on the Served Podcast.
“You look at the views on her press conferences versus the top stars in the world, she has a massive, massive following in the Philippines, it’s crazy impressive, and it’s something that tournaments are going to have to pay attention to.
“Didn’t work out, Parks won, great win for her, but this is the type of story you cheer for, because it’s great for tennis.”
As noted by Roddick, Eala’s press conferences have garnered more attention from tennis fans than those of her higher-ranked peers.
Eala’s pre-tournament press conference has garnered 178,000 views on YouTube; the most of any player at the event, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Coco Gauff.
Eala may be the most popular player on Tour, as discussed by Iga Swiatek on Monday.
Alexandra Eala loses her Australian Open doubles match
Alexandra Eala’s 2026 Australian Open campaign is now officially over after the Filipina lost in the first round of the women’s doubles event.
Eala and Ingrid Gamarra Martins were unable to overcome Magda Linette and Shuko Aoyama on Tuesday, losing 7-6, 2-6, 6-3.
What could stop Alexandra Eala from finishing 2026 inside the top 20?
Linette and Aoyama will play Rebecca Sramkova and Linda Noskova or Asia Muhammad and Erin Routliffe in the second round.
After concluding her Australian Open campaign, Eala has the opportunity to take part in the inaugural WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open in Manila.
