Alex Eala admitted that her frustrating Australian Open loss hurt more than usual as she failed to get the win amid massive on-court support from fans.
A loss is a tough pill to swallow for any player, but Alex Eala's surprise first round exit against Alycia Parks at the 2026 Australian Open was a little more painful.
Apart from squandering a perfect 6-0 start in the opening set, Eala also had to absorb the frustrating loss in front of a dominantly Filipino crowd that packed Court 6 just to see their local ace.
With the stands filled with Filipino fans and pro-Alex chants dominating the court, Eala couldn’t help but lament not being able to score the win for all her supporters who came out.
During her post-match press conference, Eala spoke about what it meant to see the all out support even when she was was ways away from home.
“It was so heartwarming and I think that's one of the things that makes a loss like today a little bit harder, is that I know a lot of people were rooting for me,” Eala said.
"But then again, Alycia played really well. And you know, I just hope that the support continues with the losses along with the wins. I think that would really touch me,” she added.
The Filipina has enjoyed great live support to start her season, with a pro-Eala crowd also making their presence felt at the ASB Classic and the Kooyong Classic earlier this month.
Even during her struggles, Eala said that she can feel the support from the fans.
“Then again, just the fact that everyone came out and really squeezed into that cozy court. I really appreciate it,” she said.
“I felt so loved even when I was 5-2 down in the third, you know, still felt the love. So I'm really appreciative and super thankful.”
High attention, high pressure
But like many things in life, the support has been a double-edged sword for Eala.
Bursting into the limelight following her magical Miami Open run last year, more eyes are now following Eala's progress on the WTA Tour.
As her success is also giving tennis a more mainstream attention among Filipino fans, Eala mentioned an adjustment period as supporters now naturally expect sustained excellence on the court.
“Yeah, it's a process to take it all in. I think this week there were elements that were a bit overwhelming. Especially during my practices, I didn't expect that many people to be there,” said Eala.
“So it's a learning process like everything you know, losses are learning, is part of the learning process. The trainings are part of a learning process. So I'm just trying to take it in,” she continued.
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With the rest of the 2026 season and the rest of her career still on the horizon, Eala is choosing to take all expectations in stride.
This, while also living in the moment and taking in all the love that she’s been receiving from her fans.
“I’m still young, 20, so learning how to deal with all of this attention, but then at the same time [I’m] being grateful,” she said.
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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.