Alex Eala addresses whether fan support adds pressure to her game

Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP via Getty Images

Alex Eala has quickly become one of the most recognisable names in women’s tennis.

She’s still searching for her first WTA title, but that hasn’t stopped her from building a massive following.

Eala is already a household name in the Philippines and is steadily gaining attention around the world. But does having such a passionate fan base affect the world number 42?

Alex Eala talks about what her fans mean to her

Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP via Getty Images

Speaking to the ‘Tennis Channel,’ Eala was asked whether she feels any extra pressure because of her large fanbase.

“Of course, I want to give back as much as they give to me,” she said.

“But the obligation first and foremost is to myself. It’s my journey. I am really super grateful that all of these supporters want to follow in that journey that I have, but I owe it to myself first and foremost and to my family and team to give it everything that I have.”

Eala has built up plenty of support since breaking through at the 2025 Miami Open, giving her fans good reason for excitement along the way.

The 20-year-old currently holds a spot inside the top 20 in the ‘Live WTA Race’ standings, with 842 points this season – more than Grand Slam winners Madison Keys, Naomi Osaka, or Emma Raducanu.

Eala isn’t the only young player drawing attention this year. Joao Fonseca of Brazil is another rising star building a strong following.

Fonseca is part of what some are calling tennis’s ‘new big three’, alongside Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. People have even started making comparisons between Fonseca and Eala.

Asked about those similarities during her interview with ‘Tennis Channel’, Eala responded: “I’m flattered to be compared to him.”