Singapore Open tournament director reacts to so many Alex Eala fans attending his tournament this year
Singapore Open tournament director Yazed Osman discusses the massive fan support for Filipina tennis star Alex Eala. The tournament highlights the growing connection between Eala and her global fanbase, known as 'Ealamania'.
Why it matters
Eala's influence demonstrates the power of individual athletes in driving international sports tourism and engagement in the WTA.
Alex Eala will kickstart her run at the Singapore Open on Thursday against Tatiana Prozorova.
She will continue her busy season at the WTA 500 tournament, which she enters as the world number 18 and with a 40/21 win/loss record for the 2026 season. But she feels fit and ready to shine at the event, where she is feeling right at home.
As is always the case with the Filipina superstar, Eala has a heavy following at the tournament, which director Yazed Osman has now discussed ahead of her first match in Singapore.
Speaking of the fans arriving at the Singapore Open to watch Eala, Osman said: "I've met some of them this morning. They came here and came quite early. I think they also want to soak in the atmosphere. So we welcome the Filipino community to support their star player.
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