Alex Eala touched by strong Filipino support in Toronto: 'I felt very at home'

Following her Round of 64 victory over Alycia Parks of the United States at the WTA 1000 National Bank Open, Alex Eala shared what it means to perform in front of a passionate Filipino crowd far from home.

During her post-match press conference, the World No. 20 called her Toronto debut "memorable," admitting she felt "so hyped" after securing the win against Parks.

"This win really meant a lot. I think it was a great opportunity for me to learn and to grow as a player," Eala told reporters.

When asked for her message to the local Filipino community, Eala expressed deep gratitude for their warm reception.

"I know Toronto is such a multicultural city, so it’s nice for me to be here for the first time, experience that culture, and feel that atmosphere," Eala said. "Out there, I felt very at home with all the people supporting me. I hope that they enjoyed the tennis, enjoyed the grounds, and that they can see all of these great matches and want to come back."

Eala also reflected on the rapid growth of tennis back in the Philippines, noting how courts are filling up and the sport is becoming accessible to a broader audience.

"I would love to be home more often," Eala admitted, noting how demanding tour schedules can be. "I definitely see Manila and the Philippines in a different light every time I come back. From what I’ve been told, it’s very difficult to book courts nowadays."

"Online, I’m seeing everybody play tennis—people picking up rackets of all ages—and I hear direct stories from them about taking up tennis or other racket sports," she added. "Tennis is well-loved back home, and anything I can do to help that cause is my pleasure."

She highlighted her participation in the inaugural Philippine Women's Open earlier this year as a particularly meaningful milestone for the nation's sporting scene.

"I think the leaders of Philippine tennis did a great job pulling that together. I heard loads of good feedback from the players and fans, so I’m super happy that it pushed through. Hopefully, it continues for a very long time," she said.

"When people play at the US Open, Grand Slams, or big tournaments in their hometowns, they have memories of attending as kids. It comes full circle and gives them a goal to look forward to as they develop. Hopefully, these WTA tournaments in Manila can be that spark for Filipinos."

Leylah Fernandez hails proud Filipino fanbase

In a separate interview, Filipino-Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez—whom Eala defeated at a WTA 500 tournament in Washington, D.C.—commented on the enthusiasm surrounding Eala’s appearance in Canada.

"She’s a nice girl. Unfortunately, I don't have her number," said Fernandez, who also secured her spot in the second round by ousting Mexico's Renata Zarazua on Thursday. "I know she just got here, so I haven't had the chance to speak with her yet. We saw her walking onto the court, and I didn't want to mess with her concentration."

Fernandez offered a warm welcome to her fellow competitor and kababayan: "Hopefully, when we do get the chance to speak off-court, if she needs any restaurant suggestions, I can give a couple of places that I like. But I feel like she has a good routine going and a great team with her. If she needs any help, I'm here."

Fernandez, whose father is Ecuadorian and mother is Filipino-Canadian, also reflected on the loyalty of the Filipino sports community.

"The Filipino community is super proud—they're proud of anybody that comes from the country," Fernandez said. "I'm part Filipino, and I definitely felt that when I came onto the scene. Anywhere in the world, you’re going to see Filipino flags, and they’re going to watch my matches and Eala's matches. It’s a super loving community."

She emphasized the broader impact on women's athletics, saying, "I’m just super happy that we get to experience that here in Toronto, where the stands are filled and people get to enjoy women’s sports. For a long time, we’ve been fighting for that. It is exciting to watch women’s sports, and seeing more people come out—especially kids with big smiles on their faces—is a major reason why I personally play the sport and continue competing."

Eala won against Parks 6–1, 4–6, 6–2 in their Round of 64 women's singles match at the WTA1000 National Bank Open in Toronto on Thursday, Aug. 6 (Philippine time).

During her post-match speech, she addressed the crowd in Filipino, saying, "Alam niyo, mga kababayan, linggo-linggo ko kayong nakikita, sinusuporta 'ko. Linggo-linggo ko nakikita kung gaano niyo kamahal 'yung kapwa niyong Pinoy. Kaya proud na proud na proud na proud ako din maging Pinoy. Maraming salamat, mga kababayan. Mahal ko kayong lahat."

Eala will be figuring in the first round of women's doubles on Aug. 7 around 8:10 a.m. (Philippine time), teaming up with her previous Bad Homburg Open partner Venus Williams. The duo will be going up against Japan's Miyu Kato and Russia's Liudmila Samsonova on center court. 

She is also set for the Round of 32 in women's singles against American Caty McNally, who is fresh from a victory over Wimbledon champion Linda Nosková on Aug. 8 (Philippine time).