Alexandra Eala is inarguably one of the most well-followed players on the WTA Tour.
Given her relative infancy at the apex of the women’s game, it’s astounding to see just how revered she has become in such a short space of time.
Naturally, there are plenty of perks that come with such fame, with tournaments clamouring to secure her attendance as her fans guarantee sold-out stadiums.
And, it’s these same supporters who have now come to Alexandra Eala’s aid to help her win the WTA’s latest award, rather foolishly decided by a fan vote.
Fans show frustration as Alex Eala wins WTA grass-court award
Posting on their various social media platforms, the WTA called for supporters to vote for their ‘star of the grass-court season’, offering a handful of options including Eala as well as the two Wimbledon finalists, Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova.
Despite both having won grass-court titles before reaching the final of a major, they were crushed in the polls, as the Filipina superstar amassed 89% of the vote.
This has led to plenty of backlash from those on X, with one fan writing: “Clearly it’s Noskova who won a 500 and Wimbledon. What a complete fool WTA looks like. Didn’t know this was a popularity contest and so embarrassing”.
In that same comments section, another argued: “That’s ridiculous. Noskova and Muchova were the most successful players of the grass court season. With the Wimbledon winner Noskova is the absolute star of the season. Eala may have a huge following but it’s crazy the amount of times she is getting promoted by WTA”.
Who really deserved to win the WTA Tour’s star of the grass court award?
Realistically, as many from the comments allude to, Noskova was the outstanding candidate to claim this award.
After all, whilst Eala did shine during the grass-court season, winning a title in Birmingham whilst also enjoying solid runs in Berlin and Wimbledon, these feats are not comparable to what the Czech star managed.
How many Grand Slams will Alex Eala win in her career? 🏆
She's just knocked out the defending Wimbledon champion!
Not only did she win the Berlin Open by beating Eala in the semi-finals, but she also followed that up with a stunning victory at Wimbledon against all the odds.
Before the tournament, few gave her a chance, and she proved everyone wrong to claim a maiden major title, at the All England Club no less.
Noskova lost just one grass-court match all season across three events.
Whoever wins at Wimbledon will always be regarded as the true star of the grass court season, and whilst Eala does deserve praise, it does feel like this fan-voted award might not be the most accurate.
