Fresh off of her first WTA Tour title, Alex Eala and her Filipino following get ready for Toronto’s NBO
Filipino tennis star Alex Eala is gaining significant attention in Toronto following her first WTA Tour title win. Tournament organizers are preparing for a surge in attendance from the local Filipino community during her upcoming match.
Why it matters
Eala's rise represents a growing trend of international athletes building strong, culturally-engaged fan bases in North American markets.
Alexandra Eala won her first-ever WTA Tour title on Monday, topping American Jessica Pegula in the final. She's been supported through a successful year by a loyal Filipino fan base. Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Wherever she plays, Filipino supporters turn out in large numbers to support Alex Eala, a trailblazing pro tennis player from the Philippines. Toronto will be at the centre of that growing buzz on Wednesday, during a sold-out night at the National Bank Open.
The 21-year-old became the first Filipina to win a WTA singles title Monday at the DC Open, which will propel her to a career high ranking of No. 20, another best for her nation. Eala has been beating top players all summer and is called the future of the women’s tour.
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