Even Alex Eala’s opponent Donna Vekic couldn’t help but marvel at the crowd support for the Filipina during tournaments.
Where Alex Eala goes, Filipino tennis fans follow.
That’s a realization that dawned on Donna Vekic after going up against Alex Eala twice in the same number of weeks.
The Croatian once again played against the 20-year-old Filipina in the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne, Australia on, eight days after they battled in the first round of the ASB Classic.
Though playing in neutral ground in Australia and in Auckland, New Zealand last week, Vekic found herself lacking in terms of fan support in the stands.
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Eala was the clear crowd favorite in the ASB Classic and during the Kooyong Classic — an experience which is now universal for all those who go up against the world no. 49 player.
During her on-court interview, the Paris Olympics silver medalist was very graceful and acknowledged the fans.
“Every time [I play against Alex], I feel like we're playing in the center of Philippines, so I don't know, there's so many of you guys out there,” Vekic quipped with a laugh.
While Eala's run at the Miami Open last year catapulted her to fame for the rest of the tennis world, Filipinos have long been supportive of the Rafa Nadal Academy product. But now with her reach widening, even opponents are taking notice.
For Vekic, there’s enjoyment in playing with the atmosphere. As she slowly familiarizes herself with Eala’s play, she hopes to be able to get one past the 20-year-old soon enough. She’s currently 0-2 in her head-to-head against Eala.
“I think it was still a good match. Congrats to Alex, she played really well. Eventually I'll get to you,” she said.
More than just Eala, Vekic also aims to be on the fans’ consciousness as well. For her, it may lead to some supporters for herself as well, as long as she’s not playing against Eala.
“Well, there's not even 1 percent of Croatians as much as there are [people in the] Philippines. Maybe they'll adopt me and support me in the Australian Open,” she said.
Apart from playing in the Australian Open, Vekic is also included in the main draw of the first-ever Philippine Women’s Open happening later this month, along with Eala.
Schedule permitting and depending on how their Australian Open unfolds, either Vekic or Eala—or both—can play in the WTA 125 tournament at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.