Is this the start of Alexandra Eala mania? Thousands of Australian Open spectators queue to no avail for Parks defeat

Monday, 19 January 2026 at 11:45

Alexandra Eala after defeating Clara Tauson at 2025 US Open

The Australian Open organisers perhaps did not foresee the hullabaloo that ensued on Monday as thousands of fans queued to watch Filipino tennis star, Alexandra Eala only to be left disappointed in two ways as they were turned away and also she was defeat.

Queues were stretching back towards Rod Laver Arena with Melbourne boasting a strong Filipino community, it dwarfed even the queues that ensue for Cruz Hewitt or Joao Fonseca in particular who both also attract crowds when they play. It was a huge turnout to watch the 20-year-old's Australian Open main draw debut.

The decision to place Eala on a mid sized court was perhaps a bit of a poor move but also then again, she has never played at this tournament and is not a big name that they would shift those on even Kia Arena or 1573 Arena for no mind Rod Laver Arena but this turnout then again put the Grand Slams on notice to expect the crowds en masse for Eala.

Many arrived hours before fearing they might miss out and some who queued into the night were unable to gain entry. They had to settle for packed outdoor viewing areas watching it on the big screens.

Next Pacquiao type effect?

Albeit perhaps Eala's opponent Alycia Parks was the big winner in all of this in regards to how she dealt with it. She sealed an epic comeback win claiming it 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the second round amid a pro Eala crowd who were shouting Let's go Alex on every point. So it was a catch 22 that she would've loved the atmosphere but then again perhaps it would've hindered her in others in regards to living up to the pressure.

Ben Rothenberg, a prominent journalist had noted the Eala effect days prior when the press conferences were put onto YouTube and the Filipino ace had over 30,000 views within hours dwarfing even those of the World No.1's and big names such as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka.

As has been seen before with Manny Pacquiao for instance, when Filipino's get a sporting star to support they do support them and in their droves. Same with Brazilians when it comes now to Joao Fonseca and it seems the potential for at least a small bit of success is enough to give them the want to follow them. It will be interesting now too what they will do in regards to her placement for doubles and whether they make the same mistake twice.

Overall though, it seems Eala mania is only just starting and despite defeat, it shows that if she ever does achieve anything huge in the game it could explode a nation it seems that are waiting to support a new sporting icon.

Ben Rothenberg

@BenRothenberg

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Genuinely wondering if Alex Eala is already the most popular player in women’s tennis right now? Thousands of Filipino fans who couldn’t get into Court 6 are watching her match on screens around the Australian Open grounds.

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4:40 AM · Jan 19, 2026

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