Alex Eala’s coach shares a heartfelt talk about fan support after her amazing success in 2026.
Alex Eala has quickly become tennis’s newest star, and the 21-year-old from the Philippines is amazed by all the support she’s getting.
She started the year ranked outside the top 50 but has already won the Birmingham Challenger, shocked fans with upsets at Wimbledon, and captured her first WTA title at the Washington Open.
Breaking records along the way, earning big prize money, and landing a sponsorship deal with Nike, this rising star is making a huge mark on tennis, following the lead of a few new female pioneers in the sport.
Now ranked 18th in the world, Alex has gained a big fanbase both at events and on social media, becoming the first Filipino woman to break into the top 20 and to win a tour title.
Her coach, Joan Bosch, admitted they never expected such overwhelming support but said Alex loves every moment of connecting with her fans.
“We never thought it would be like this,” Bosch told Tennis365.
“We’re so happy with how the Filipino community and fans show up. Everywhere we go, they’re there. Just this morning on the plane, we met some Filipinos who traveled all the way from Washington to cheer for Alex in Toronto.
“It’s amazing to see their belief in her and the energy they bring when she’s playing. The Toronto court was full every day she played. Sometimes it’s even a bit scary because that level of expectation is tough to keep up with.
“This week was hard for Alex—she won in Washington, played the final on Monday, then traveled on Tuesday. It wasn’t easy, but I’m glad she played well in her first two matches.”
After her Washington win, Alex was even compared to boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, who she says paved the way for Filipino and other Southeast Asian athletes like herself.
“He’s such a legend and has done so much for Filipino athletes,” Alex said. “He inspired us a lot, and I hope my journey can do the same for others. It feels really special.”
Pacquiao himself congratulated her on social media, saying, “To Alex Eala, congratulations on your victory. Thank you for bringing honor to our country. We are cheering for you. We are proud of you.”
Alex has played more matches than anyone else on the WTA tour this year and keeps breaking her own records, especially when it comes to selling out tickets.
Her match against Alycia Parks at the Canadian Open sold out just two hours after tickets went on sale—the fastest ever for a WTA match, even beating Serena Williams.
Alex says she actually enjoys the pressure and finds it “fun” to have so many expectations on her.
“It’s both sometimes,” she said at a press conference. “There are moments when it feels heavy, and moments when it’s fun. But I know this is a crazy experience, and I’m just trying to take it all in. Plus, I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t worked hard before, and I know I have to keep working to keep having these moments.”