Alexandra Eala supported back in the Philippines as stadium rented out for Wimbledon last-16 clash

Alexandra Eala has become a sensation in the Philippines. The country's support for tennis has exploded since the rise of this phenomenon, and it is only getting bigger following her incredible run at Wimbledon. Back home, mobs of people have gathered around their TV screens to follow her kast-16 tie against Jasmine Paolini with a whole stadium being rented out.

The PhilSports arena has been jam-packed with passionate Filipino tennis fans desperate to watch their star player in action. It is becoming a regular occurrence to see passionate support for Eala wherever she goes.

Organisers have latched onto this with her normally on a big show court in whatever tournament she is battling in. Wimbledon has also seen an influx of Eala fans make the trip with Philippines flags being waved around as her tennis career continues to develop.

It is even bigger in her home country. In the capital, Manila, the PhilSports arena has shown her contest against Paolini with entry being free. As expected, it is very crowded with fans wanting to get a good view of the tennis match.

Unfortunately for those fans, their hopes of celebrating another Eala triumph have vanished. Paolini would come out on top in a thrilling 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 battle on Centre Court. Nevertheless, it is still Eala's best result at Grand Slam level and concludes a stunning grass swing.

A WTA 125 title in Birmingham and a semi-final in Berlin put her in good shape to compete with the best players in the world at Wimbledon. She surpassed that, taking down the reigning champion in the third round.

The 29th seed first took down Renata Zarazua and Maya Joint before the tantalising prospect of Iga Swiatek came about. Numerous set points were missed by both players but once Eala got over the line, she was not looking back. A brilliant second set display backed up by an average Swiatek saw her seal a third top 10 victory this grass swing and a second against the Pole.

She was distinctly emotional at the end as she soaked in the incredible scenes on Centre Court. She would return two days later for a tie against former finalist Jasmine Paolini with her country watching on. Unfortunately, it would be the end of the road as an improving Paolini managed to edge her in a three-set tussle, but it is another huge step in the right direction as Eala looks to climb within the elite of the sport. Up to a career high of 28th in the world, this return to the top 30 is most welcoming as her fans watch on.