Coco Gauff says everyone is benefiting from Alex Eala bringing the Filipino community to tennis, ‘Just to see a nation of people who maybe don't always feel represented in this sport really see themselves out there, I think it's incredibly inspiring’
“After the Washington final, Jessica Pegula commented about the way Alex Eala is bringing in all these new fans and this Filipino community. I was wondering what you've made of that, and what that can mean for women's tennis.”
Coco: “Yeah, I think I said this before, I'll say it again: I think the demographic that Alex is bringing to the sport of tennis is so great. I think all of us should really embrace that, because we're all benefiting from it.
I don't know, I think when I played her in, where was it, Dubai, and it was such a great atmosphere to play in, in front of that.
Just to see a nation of people who maybe don't always feel represented in this sport really see themselves out there, I think it's incredibly inspiring and makes it fun for me to go out there and just play.
I honestly gained some fans from her community off that match, which I think was cool.
I know Alex personally, and what you guys see on the court is what we see off the court. I'm always going to be supporting her, and it was great to see her win in DC.”
(via Toronto Press)
Love how Alex talks to the crowd - and to all of us Pinoy fans - in pure Tagalog!! 🙌
Makes our sleepless nights watching her matches so worth it haha. Just keep on making yourself better, Alex. You’ll get to the top 10 and win a grand slam soon! 💪
#NBO26#CanadianOpen#WTA
Jessica Pegula on the Player's Box subscriber boost following her DC Open final vs Eala:
"Filipino fans are insane. We definitely got like 4,000 or 5,000 more subscribers after that match. Even when I was leaving the stadium, they were cheering for me. They're just excited to be there.
Maybe because she's been on our podcast before, they like me a little bit more. Maybe I've gained some Filipino fans. I'm glad that they like to listen and follow, and I think that's really neat that it's crossed over."
Eala d. Parks 6-1 4-6 6-2 in Toronto
Alex wins her first match since capturing the Washington title.
She lost to Alycia at the Australian Open earlier this year, but she’s become an entirely different player over the last few months.
✅1st ever win at Canada Masters
✅Won 9 of last 10 matches
The massive crowds that follow her everywhere she goes are proof that she is a superstar in her own right.
But she also has the talent to back it up.
🇵🇭❤️🇵🇭
Coach Joan Bosch on Eala’s title 🏆
“I’m super happy because the whole week she played very good tennis with very good players.
The most important for me is that she's improving day by day. So that's what we need to continue doing.“
Its now for the @WTA to find a spot in South East Asia. Lots of tournaments happen in the middle east & yes they pay big bucks, but if u r serious about growing the game & inspiring ur next gen of champions get a good WTA event in SE Asia. #AlexEala
Congratulations, @AlexEala05!
What an incredible week in Washington! A well-deserved 🏆 for all the hard work. 👏🏻
Congratulations to 🇵🇭 and to the entire @rnadalacademy team!