Tennis star Alex Eala impressed by Filipino support from Toronto crowd

Just days after becoming the first woman from the Philippines to win a WTA championship in Washington, D.C., Alexandra Eala was greeted by thousands of passionate fans who packed the 12,500-seat Sobeys Stadium for her first-ever match in Toronto.

Eala immediately felt the love and rewarded them with a memorable performance.

The 21-year-old star defeated American Alycia Parks in three sets, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, to advance to the Round of 32 at the National Bank Open. As Eala walked off the court, the sold-out crowd chanted her name.

She said following her victory, the support she had received from the fans on hand would be something she'd never forget.

Alex Eala was HYPED after her win 😤 #NBO26 pic.twitter.com/G6ftXsnWar

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 6, 2026

"It's my first time here in Toronto, and this was such a memorable match," Eala said during the post-match press conference.

"There were so many Filipinos in the crowd, and so many flags. I am eternally grateful."

Eala went on to say that she felt right at home playing in front of the Toronto crowd.

According to the 2021 Canadian Census, there are more than 250,000 people of Filipino descent living in and around the Greater Toronto Area.

"I felt at home out there with all the people supporting me," she said. "My message to fans is that I hope they enjoyed tennis and the grounds, and want to come back."

The demand to see the young rising star in women's tennis has been very high.

Tickets for her opening singles match sold out in less than 30 minutes, and her Thursday night doubles match alongside American tennis legend Venus Williams also reached capacity.

Tournament director Karl Hale said the interest has been so high that the tournament has moved all of Eala's matches to centre court to accommodate the larger crowds.

The tournament has even added a traditional Filipino dish, chicken adobo, to several concession stands to accommodate the thousands of supporters coming to watch her.

Eala's rise to superstardom is even being praised by some of the biggest names in women's tennis. Two-time U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka said following her second-round match on Wednesday that the attention Eala has received is great for the sport.

"It's so cool she's building a new community and fans around her. It's great for women's tennis and the tournament," Osaka said.

Eala will look to continue her run at the National Bank Open when she faces American Caty McNally in the Round of 32 on Friday night.

While Eala is yet to experience Toronto outside the York University tennis grounds, she hopes that changes if she can continue this winning streak.

"My schedule right now is kind of hotel, court, hotel, then court. Hopefully, I do well here and then can spend more time in the city," she said.