"When you feel this much love, it's hard to get used to" - Alexandra Eala still coming to terms with dedicated Filipino support as she secures ranking breakthrough

It is a common sight to see Alexandra Eala's matches packed to the brim with passionate tennis fans from the Philippines. That was the case in the quarter-finals of the DC Open where she produced another stunning win, this time against the second seed Elina Svitolina in a 6-3, 6-4 triumph.

Eala was ecstatic with her work on court, most importantly with the result in a tricky match against a top opponent. "It was tough, it was tough, but good," she told the Tennis Channel. "I'm really, really happy. I had fun out there. I think it was a great battle, so I'm really happy."

Both players took a while to settle with five consecutive breaks of serve to open the match going the way of Eala eventually before another break of the Svitolina serve secured her the set. "I think, of course, you want to hold your serve and I do my best to hold my serve. But if it doesn't happen, I think each game is an opportunity. I just try to do my best with every opportunity that I have, which is every point."

Svitolina would be the one to then seize the initiative in the second set with an early break, but after going 3-1 up she was pinned against the wall by a charging Eala who won five of the next six games to taste victory once more and reach another WTA semi-final.

Eala's record against top 10 players is something to admire. She has won eight of her 12 encounters against players ranked in that category, six of which coming this year. Her memorable 2025 Miami Open campaign which got her on the tennis map saw wins over Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek.

Jasmine Paolini and Coco Gauff were defeated in Dubai and Indian Wells respectively. From the start of the grass swing, the Filipina has doubled that tally. Victories in Berlin against Elena Rybakina and Svitolina were followed by that hugely eye-catching triumph against Swiatek on Centre Court at Wimbledon. The eighth and latest win has come again against the Ukrainian.

Asked the secret behind winning against the best players in the world, Eala noted the work that goes into her game as crucial. "Training, preparation. Practice, practice, practice. A good mentality, a will to win, a will to endure and try to find solutions," she said. "I mean, that's what I strive for. I can't say that I'm perfect at it—definitely far from perfect—but that's what I strive to be."

She labelled her game style as 'brave' and 'flexible' as she continues to add more elements to her game. "I try to be a more versatile player. That's one of the things I've been working on—to have different solutions and try to be patient. I try not to be a one-dimensional player. That's something I'm working on, but we'll see."

You would think Eala is now used to the crowd support and attention she regularly gets around the world, but apparently not.

Floods of Filipino tennis fans have closely followed her progress in person in all the tournaments she has competed in. Many have made the trip to Washington to watch Eala in her debut DC Open campaign, and have not been disappointed.

That goes the other way with Eala delighted to have them while lavishly praising their support. "Amazing. Amazing. I feel so loved," she commented. "The atmosphere out there was electric. It was super fun, super intense, and it definitely added to that intense feeling. It was really fun.

"Everything is very genuine. When you feel this much love, it's hard to get used to. It always brings a new sentiment, always brings a new type of feeling. Every match is different, so every match is special for its own unique reason. I think the people feel that too."

Of the fans, many of them are very young and may want to follow in the footsteps of Eala. The 21-year-old motivated them to follow their dreams and ambitions no matter the size. "I think they should take away that dreams should be big," she stated. "I think you can take inspiration from anything you want, whether it's me or someone else. Just try to be the best version of yourself, because you never know where that will take you."

Eala will still be very much focusing on the task at hand with DC Open glory a real possibility. However, her run to the semi-final has guaranteed herself a spot in the top 25 for the very first time. It is a huge achievement for her at a young age.

"Oh my God. That sounds amazing. That sounds so surreal. That sounds actually crazy, but I'm super proud of it."

Naomi Osaka is her next opponent in an all-Asian clash. If Eala comes out on top, then she will climb another spot into 24th with a top 20 breakthrough on the horizon if she lifts the trophy. For the time being, that is still a long way away with a rapidly improving and ominous Osaka who awaits her.

"It means a lot. You know, it's the semi-finals of a WTA 500. Of course, playing Naomi makes it even more special. She's such an accomplished player and I think she's made waves both on and off the court for such a long time. So I'm really excited for this matchup."