The Philippines’ latest sporting hero continued her impressive start to the 2026 season by defeating Coco Gauff earlier this week.
Eala dominated the contest before Gauff was forced to retire at 2-6, 0-2 due to a left arm injury.
Eala’s fans, as has become commonplace on the WTA Tour, filled out the stadium in California and created yet another raucous atmosphere.
Does anybody else even come close to Alex Eala’s popularity right now?
The Filipina’s fans are widely regarded as some of the most dedicated on Tour, attending Eala’s matches no matter where she is on the planet.
Coco Vandeweghe, the former world number nine and US Open semi-finalist, has offered her take on Eala’s fans while speaking to a notable former Filipina tennis player.
Coco Vandeweghe has been left ‘amazed’ by Filipino fans
Ahead of Eala’s fourth round match against Linda Noskova, Coco Vandeweghe spoke to Dyan Castillejo about the Filipina’s impact on the sport.
Castillejo, who is also from the Philippines, became the first Filipina in tennis history to achieve a WTA ranking when she competed on the WTA Tour during the 1980s.
Since then, she has gone on to become a successful journalist, most notably working as a sports interviewer for ABS-CBN Sports.
“My impression of the Filipino fans was so amazing,” Vandeweghe told Castillejo.
“That’s why I stayed to watch the night match, to hear the fans, to feel the energy that comes… because that’s all we talk about but I haven’t been able to experience it in person.
“So I stayed after I was done with work, and I had an absolutely amazing experience to see the energy of the crowd.”
Castillejo then asked Vandeweghe whether she thinks Eala is one of the most popular players on the Tour.
“I would say so!” said Vandeweghe. “She packs every court she goes to. Even that late night match, still had a great crowd around there.
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?
“It’s one of my favourite aspects about tennis. Tennis is a global sport. Tennis is something everyone can play, watch, enjoy.”
When is Alex Eala playing Linda Noskova?
Eala faces a tough test in the next round. She will play world number 14 Linda Noskova: the former French Open junior champion and 2025 China Open finalist.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, Eala will be on your television screens at 3am on Wednesday.
For viewers in the US, Eala and Noskova will begin their match at 7pm Pacific Standard Time on Tuesday.
As for Eala’s Filipino faithful, they will be able to watch their star play at 11am on Wednesday.
For those on Australian Eastern Standard Time, you will be able to watch the match at 12pm on Wednesday.
