What to know
- Eala became the first Filipino player to win a National Bank Open main-draw match after defeating Alycia Parks 6-1, 4-6, 6-2.
- Approximately 3,100 tickets were sold after Eala’s Wednesday night match was announced, helping turn Sobeys Stadium into a sea of Philippine flags.
- The crowd’s energy earned praise from Eala, Leylah Fernandez and Jessica Pegula, although some viewers criticized fans for shouting during points.
- Eala faces world No. 70 Caty McNally in Friday’s round of 32, with their Centre Court match scheduled after Coco Gauff and Maria Sakkari.
Alexandra Eala’s historic summer run continued in Toronto this week, where thousands of Filipino fans made her National Bank Open debut into a sold-out celebration.
The 21-year-old arrived in the city shortly after becoming the first Filipino player to win a WTA Tour-level singles title. Eala defeated world No. 3 Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 in a rain-delayed Washington final on Monday, winning the final nine games of the match.
The victory also moved Eala into the world’s top 20 for the first time and added to a breakthrough season that has seen her make history for the Philippines on some of tennis’ biggest stages.
Filipino fans transform Sobeys Stadium into a home court
Eala’s opening session at Sobeys Stadium sold out after her match was added to Wednesday night’s schedule. A Tennis Canada spokesperson said approximately 3,100 tickets were sold for the session following the announcement, which also included Canadian player Leylah Fernandez.
Eala opened her tournament Wednesday night against American Alycia Parks in front of a capacity crowd filled with Philippine flags, banners and fans wearing the country’s colours.
After controlling the opening set, Eala was pushed to a deciding set before defeating Parks 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 in one hour and 51 minutes. She created 14 break-point opportunities, converted five and won the final four games of the match.
The victory made Eala the first Filipino player, male or female, to win a main-draw match at the National Bank Open.
“Out there, I felt very at home with all the people supporting me,” Eala said following the victory.
She added that she hoped the fans enjoyed the tennis, explored the grounds and would want to return to watch more matches.
The support also extended to Fernandez, whose mother is Filipino Canadian. Fernandez said Filipinos are proud of athletes connected to the country and regularly bring flags to her matches and Eala’s around the world.
“The fan base is super amazing,” Fernandez said. “It’s a super loving community.”
Pegula also praised the support surrounding Eala after losing to her in Washington. She said Filipino fans were helping tennis grow internationally and later revealed that her Player’s Box podcast gained approximately 4,000 to 5,000 subscribers following the final.
A new tennis audience brings a different energy
However, the energetic Toronto crowd also sparked some contrasting reactions online.
Some viewers criticized fans for shouting during points, arguing that the noise went against traditional tennis etiquette and could distract the players.
One commenter said it was “disappointing that people are shouting between points,” before adding, “but man, what a crowd!”
Another viewer acknowledged that some fans may still be learning the expectations surrounding professional tennis. The commenter noted that Filipino sports culture is heavily influenced by the louder environments of basketball and volleyball, where cheering throughout the action is more common.
Others pushed back against the criticism, arguing that tennis should welcome the enthusiasm of new audiences. One person called the atmosphere “the new normal” and said the sport needs to evolve as more communities become invested in it.
The debate highlighted what Eala’s success could mean for the sport. Many of the fans coming to watch her may be attending professional tennis for the first time, bringing the celebratory energy commonly seen at Filipino basketball, volleyball and boxing events.
Eala’s singles run continues Friday in the round of 32 and she will face world No. 70 Caty McNally for the first time. McNally advanced after upsetting Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova 7-6(5), 6-1, overcoming a 5-1 deficit in the opening set.
The match will be played on Centre Court during Friday’s night session. Coco Gauff and Maria Sakkari are scheduled to begin no earlier than 7 p.m., with Eala and McNally following.
Although Eala and Venus Williams were eliminated from doubles Thursday, Eala remains in contention in singles.
