Eala and Co. Embrace Passionate Filipino Fanbase at the National Bank Open

The Philippines – a country of over 100 million people – has had a lot to cheer about in the sports realm as of late. The nation recently earned its first Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Summer Games, adding two more to their tally in 2024. Multi-time champion boxer Manny Pacquaio led the nation’s sporting drive for decades, but now, the craze is behind Alexandra Eala, and she’s growing the game of tennis in the Philippines.

“From what I've been told, it's very difficult to get courts nowadays [in the Philippines]. Online I'm seeing everybody is playing tennis, people picking up racquets, of all ages. I hear stories directly from them of how they have picked up tennis or other racquet sports,” Eala said in her post-match press conference on Aug. 5.

The 21-year-old from Quezon City touched down in Toronto on Tuesday and suddenly, Eala-mania started to become a little more real. The World No. 20 was met by Filipino support shortly after arriving at Sobeys Stadium, signing autographs for the hundreds of fans.

Then, it was time – Eala’s Toronto debut under the lights of Centre Court. Met with an ear-shattering ovation as she stepped out onto the court, the recent Washington champion gave the fans a treat and battled through a three-setter against world No. 71 Alycia Parks to reach the third round.

An emotional and visibly fired up Eala thanked the Toronto crowd post-match and described the atmosphere as one of the best she has been a part of.

“I was so hyped after the match, in the on-court interview, when I was in the gym, I am so hyped still,” Eala said. “This win really meant a lot. I think it was a great opportunity for me to learn and to grow as a player.”

Eala hasn’t been the only one feeling the passion from the Filipino faithful. 

Leylah Annie Fernandez, whose mother is Filipino Canadian, walked onto Centre Court to a roar from the crowd, which was filled with a mix of red for Canada and blue or white for the Philippines. Sound levels were then amplified after the Lavalloise sealed the win on home soil.

Read also: Fernandez, Eala Ignite Crowd on Centre Court

“The Filipino community are super proud. They're proud of anybody who comes from the country, who are part Filipino. I definitely felt that when I came on to the scene,” Fernandez said in her post-match press conference on Aug. 5. “The fan base is super amazing. Any country, any parts of the world, you're going to see a couple Filipino flags. And they're going to come and watch my match, Eala's match, and it's a super loving community. I'm happy that we get to experience that here in Toronto.”

Even Jessica Pegula, who lost to Eala in the Washington final, is creating a buzz in the Filipino community. The American had high praise for the 21-year-old following the title match, and the Filipino fanbase returned the favour by showing love on her podcast, The Player’s Box.

Read also: Fernandez eases into third round with straight-sets win over Zarazua

“Filipino fans are insane. I don't know how many we ended up with, but we definitely got like 4000 or 5000 more subscribers after that match. Even when I was leaving the stadium they were cheering for me. They're just excited to be there,” Pegula said in her post-match press conference on Aug. 5. “I hadn't really looked online much yet, but someone from our team did text us that there was a lot of Filipino comments online, and a lot more interaction with their fanbase, especially through our podcast. I'm glad that they like to listen and follow.”

Sobeys Stadium embraced the passionate Filipino contingent on Wednesday, even serving a special dish in The Courtyard – Chicken Adobo. With Eala off to a winning start in Toronto, and her doubles run alongside Venus Williams yet to get underway, the National Bank Open hasn’t seen the last of the Filipino faithful.

The WTA's best return to Toronto for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers Aug 1 to 13 at Sobeys Stadium. Get your tickets today!

Feature Photo : Ethan Bissinger/Wick Photography for National Bank Open