League: ATP Sport: Tennis Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

Alex Eala discusses fan support and intimidation of Nadal

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 2, 2026, 8:32 AM

Last updated Nov 2, 2026

Alex Eala discusses fan support and intimidation of Nadal

Summary

Alex Eala, the rising tennis star from the Philippines, reflects on her popularity after competing at the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year. Following her historic achievements, including becoming the first Filipina to win a WTA singles title, Eala's matches draw large crowds. She acknowledges feeling intimidated by Rafael Nadal, her mentor from the Mallorca academy, but values the guidance he provides. Eala is currently competing at the Hong Kong Open and aims to continue building on her success.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Eala reached the last 16 at Wimbledon and beat Naomi Osaka in Washington.
•She is currently ranked 17th in the world.
•Her matches are attended by large crowds of Filipino supporters.
•Eala's next match in Hong Kong is against Alycia Parks.
•Nadal remains in contact with Eala and is a source of inspiration for her.

Latest Updates

8:32 AMYahoo Sports — Eala talks 'intimidating' Nadal, fan frenzy in breakthrough year

What they're saying

"
Philippines tennis trailblazer Alex Eala remembers the moment it struck her just how wildly popular she had become, telling AFP: "It was shocking."Back in the Philippines, which has never had a world-class woman tennis player before, Eala was already on the way to becoming a superstar.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

ATP Tennis