‘I represent a minority’: Eala underscores impact of international stints on Filipino fans

MANILA, Philippines — When the going gets tough in an Alex Eala match, fans on the court would typically scream “Let’s go Alex, let’s go!”

In the Mubadala DC Open, this was apparent. This happened again in the match against Zheng Qinwen, where the Filipina dropped the first set, 4-6, but stormed back in the next two sets, 6-4, 6-1. 

This likewise occurred against Leylah Fernandez in the second round early Thursday morning. Eala, who won the first set, 6-2, trailed 1-5 in the second set. 

The fans then tried to rally the young Filipina tennis star with cheers of “Let’s go Alex, let’s go!” With every point won, they cheered, and at times, the umpire called them out when the players were ready.

It got to the point where fans of Fernandez even cheered, “Let’s go Leylah, let’s go!” to counter the fans of Eala. 

After the match, which Eala won, 6-2, 7-6(1), the Filipina said that the support she gets made her realize that she is playing more than just for personal glory. 

“I think with the platform that I have, it's important for me to be aware of the impact that I hold also. I learned through bits and pieces of what people and the fans themselves tell me, and I understand that I represent a lot. I represent a minority,” she said in an interview with Tennis Channel.

“I'm the first Filipina to make it at this stage in tennis, and that doesn't just go for the Philippines necessarily, but maybe another nationality or another little girl who maybe didn't see a pathway before that,” she added.

She also voiced appreciation to her supporters, whom, she said, is “the reason I have this platform at the end of the day.”

“It just adds to how meaningful my job is to me.”

Eala is one of the fastest rising stars in tennis. After her historic run in the Miami Open last year, she has won huge matches throughout the past couple of seasons, including multiple wins against top 10 tennisters. Zheng herself is also an Olympic champion.

The pride of the Philippines also acknowledged that there is definitely pressure to produce, not just for her fans, but also for herself. 

“There's definitely pressure. I mean, I'm a competitive athlete, so there's pressure, but I think the obligation also comes to myself. I'm a very self-demanding person. I'm a very ambitious person, so I'm definitely happy and welcoming to everyone who wants to support me as well and go along on this journey,” she said. 

“But I know that this is my journey first and foremost, and I have the expectations I have on myself.” 

This is her debut in the Mubadala DC Open. It is also her first tournament since a magical run at Wimbledon earlier in the month. 

“Of course, Washington DC is a really big event, a really popular event, so I mean, it makes me feel loved, what can I say, and it makes it more exciting to play here. It is certainly exciting.” 

She will be taking on either Polina Kudermetova or Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinal round.