Alexandra Eala is back in action, set to play in her first-ever main draw at Indian Wells.
However, Chris Eubanks seems worried that the Filipina sensation might not be given the appropriate treatment that she should command.
After all, with a fanbase that is large and passionate enough to rival any within the sport, they will almost certainly turn out in their thousands to support their new hero.
With that in mind, Eubanks has called for the organisers at the BNP Paribas Open to ensure they make the right call with Alexandra Eala.
Chris Eubanks calls for Indian Wells to make big Alex Eala decision
Speaking with Tennis Channel Live, it was actually CoCo Vandeweghe who began, discussing Eala’s popularity as a video of her signing autographs in California flashed on screen.
She claimed: “Swarmed is right!
“You can get as close and personal with your favourite players. And that’s why I always say this event, the BNP Paribas Open, is the best fan experience you could possibly get.
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“Alex Eala, having her first opportunity at the main draw here at Indian Wells. That’s how fresh and new she is to this game, and that’s what the excitement is, how far she can go. I think these courts will suit her game a lot better because everything gets slowed down for the lefty to be able to start working the angles, working that forehand line.
“But she is in that killer section of where all those big hitters are; she’s got to get through some big players to be able to even contend in the Round of 16.”
Eubanks then chimed in, offering his plea for the tournament schedulers: “Yeah, but I think that this fanfare that she’s been getting over the past few months can call some players to do some incredible things.
“We saw it in Australia. There were mobs and lines and lines of people to make it to her side courts. Hopefully, we’re able to get her in a big court so everyone is able to stay safe around the grounds because there’s going to be a large number of fans coming to support Alex. Look forward to that.
“You highlighted the conditions. I think she prefers a bit faster conditions.
“I talked to some players, they said the courts are playing a little bit faster this year than in previous years, so we’re gonna see if she’s able to kind of find a good mix there, but overall, excited to have her here, excited to see the energy that she brings and her fans bring, because we know we’re gonna have some fun atmospheres out here today.”
Eala will also play doubles with Iva Jovic at Indian Wells this year too.
Indian Wells cannot make the same mistake as the Australian Open with Alex Eala
As Eubanks touches upon, Indian Wells has to learn from the Australian Open’s mistake regarding Eala.
After all, the first Grand Slam of the year severely underestimated the level of support this 20-year-old sensation would command, even if it was just her first round match against Alycia Parks.
Scheduling her to play on Court Six, which boasts a capacity of just under 1,500, there were hundreds of fans surrounding the arena, unable to grab a coveted seat to watch their beloved Eala.
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Fortunately, many events have since learned from this mistake, but with Indian Wells boasting almost all of the biggest names in the sport, it might be difficult to uphold this new strategy.
Eubanks, clearly well aware of Eala’s star power, will be hoping the organisers can see sense and provide her with the top billing, even if she might not be ranked as high as some of her peers.
