Alexandra Eala crashed out of the Australian Open on Monday, defeated in the first round by Alycia Parks.
Eala was handed a nightmare draw and any hopes of a barnstorming run in Melbourne were quickly extinguished by the American on Monday.
Eala began the match emphatically against Parks, winning the first set 6-0. However, she was unable to capitalise on her advantage, losing the next two sets 6-3, 6-2.
It was a disappointing result for Eala, who received advice from a Grand Slam finalist ahead of the tournament.
However, Eala can take great pride in the amount of support she received in Australia, particularly from her ever-loyal Filipino fans.
Eala has become one of the most popular figures on the WTA Tour in the past year, something which was remarked upon by Iga Swiatek on Monday.
Does anybody else even come close to Alex Eala’s popularity right now?
Iga Swiatek says how she feels about Alexandra Eala’s popularity
Iga Swiatek, the second seed in Melbourne, began her Australian Open campaign on Monday.
Swiatek is chasing her first title in Melbourne and ultimately the ‘Career Grand Slam.’
After defeating Yue Yuan on Monday, Swiatek was asked to comment on the popularity of Alex Eala.
“Yeah, I mean, like, I haven’t seen it live, how people react,” Swiatek told reporters in Melbourne.
“But for sure she’s a nice person and I think personality-wise she also deserves to be supported I guess because she has all the good qualities.
“Also, like, I guess coming from a smaller country, you will be kind of bigger because it’s not like they have many athletes that they can look up to, I guess. Not sure.”
Swiatek then commented on the Filipina’s style of play, noting the shot Eala is able to utilise as a ‘surprise.’
Swiatek [pictured below] said: “Her game style is pretty different I would say, with change of rhythm, a lot of slices, a lot of shots that she can surprise with. Yeah, I guess she can for sure sometimes use that as a surprise.”
Who will Iga Swiatek face in the Australian Open second round?
After a 7-6, 6-3 victory over Yue Yuan, the Polish star will play Marie Bouzkova in the second round.
Bouzkova, ranked 44th on the WTA Tour, defeated Mexico’s Renata Zarazua 6-2, 7-5 in her first-round match.
Swiatek and Bouzkova have played each other twice previously. In their first match at the 2024 French Open, Swiatek emerged victorious from the third round contest, defeating the Czech player 6-4, 6-2.
Who are your favourites for the 2026 Australian Open title?
Credit: Sofascore
Swiatek again defeated Bouzkova at the 2025 China Open. The Pole won the round of 32 contest 6-1, 6-1.
