Hong Kong Open director says Alex Eala is drawing sellout crowds on WTA Tour
Tournament director Clare Wood says the Filipina tennis player packed stadiums in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Hong Kong, according to Edge Davao.
Filipina tennis player Alex Eala has become a major crowd draw on the WTA Tour, with tournament organisers taking notice of the support she attracts, Edge Davao reported.
Clare Wood, tournament director of the Hong Kong Tennis Open and herself a former world No. 77, praised the 20-year-old's growing following. During the recent Hong Kong Tennis Open, crowds at Victoria Park filled the stands, waved Philippine flags and cheered loudly whenever Eala played, according to the report.
Wood said Eala's popularity reaches well beyond the Philippines. She recalled watching Eala compete in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, where, she said, the stadium sold out every night the Filipina was on court.
"Honestly, I think she's phenomenal for women's tennis," Wood said.
Wood added that the same thing happened in Dubai, a WTA 1000 event that features the world's top players. According to Wood, it was Eala who sold out the stadium whenever she played there.
Edge Davao noted that Eala's breakthrough results on the international stage this season have raised her profile and rallied Filipino supporters around the world, who continue to turn out at her matches.
Why it matters for Davao
For Filipino sports fans in Davao City, the report signals that a Filipina athlete is gaining recognition from international tournament organisers for both her play and her following.
This article was written by the DavaoNews desk with AI assistance, using reporting by Edge Davao. Facts come from the original report, which we credit and link below. Our editorial policy
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