Tennis legend Novak Djokovic praised the surge of fan support at major tournaments, highlighting Alex Eala’s Australian Open match as a prime example of the sport’s growing global appeal.
Tennis star Novak Djokovic sees packed tennis arenas not as a challenge, but as a sign of the sport’s expanding popularity—and he used Filipina rising star Alex Eala as a perfect example.
During Eala’s main draw debut at the Australian Open, Filipino fans packed the stands to support the 20-year-old.
Djokovic acknowledged the difficulty of managing growing crowds while praising the enthusiasm they bring.
“I saw the other day with Alex Eala. She’s coming from the Philippines, which is now a big deal. She’s the biggest tennis player ever from that country, and there’s a lot of interest. Things like that happen—it’s a good problem to have,” Djokovic said after his 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 second-round win over Francesco Maestrelli.
The former world no. 1 also reflected on the broader trend of increasing attendance at tennis events, saying that it is a positive sign for the game.
‘She’s [Eala] so young and just coming through. The first couple of rounds are always packed with big names—it’s not easy to manage. But again, it’s a good problem to have,” the 38-year-old Serbian bared.
He added: "Obviously, we want more attention, more people coming and wanting to watch the tennis live and follow it and live stream, et cetera.”
Djokovic is eyeing a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne and a 25th Grand Slam title as the Serbian now faces Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands next for a spot in the fourth round.
Grateful Alex as ever
Eala, who made her main draw debut at the Australian Open this year, said the support of Filipino fans was overwhelming.
“It was so heartwarming. That’s one of the things that makes a loss like today a little bit harder—I know a lot of people were rooting for me,” she said.
“Just the fact that everyone came out and really squeezed into that cozy court—I really appreciate it,” Eala added.
[RELATED: Alex Eala reflects on tough Australian Open exit in front of pro-Filipino crowd]
The Filipina is now back in the countery, preparing to compete in the inaugural WTA 100 Philippine Women’s Open, set for January 26-31.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.