Eala Avenue

Alex Eala may be thousands of miles away from home but it doesn’t mean she’s not capable of turning a few sections of Melbourne Park during the 2026 Australian Open into Little Manila.

The world No. 49 makes her debut in one of the world’s four Grand Slam events against world No. 100 Alycia Parks of the United States in the Round-of-128 on Sunday.

But ever since making a deep run in the Miami Open early last year, she has noticed a surge in the number of Filipinos paying their way to watch her play.

The product of the world-famous Rafael Nadal Academy will be entering her match on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. (Manila time) oozing with confidence after winning the Evonne Goolagong Cawley Trophy at the Kooyong Classic after beating former world No. 17 and Paris Olympics silver medalist Donna Vekic of the United States.

“Alexandra is an amazing young star who has burst onto the scene. The support from the Filipino community was incredible, and we were thrilled to welcome her to the Kooyong Classic as she builds toward what looks to be a huge year ahead,” tournament director Peter Johnston said.

Eala admitted she wouldn’t be where she is now without the all-out support of Filipino fans.

“It’s been amazing, truly amazing. I know there are a lot of Filipinos in this part of the world, but the turnout this year has grown significantly compared to last year. I’m really happy to see this kind of environment,” Eala said.

“The people are excited, and when I’m on the court, you can feel that energy. It’s flattering, and it definitely makes me feel welcome.”

A loud Filipino crowd is expected to not just boost Eala’s morale but throw Parks’ off her game when they clash at the start of the main draw.

In fact, the loud cheers of the Filipinos messed up world No. 14 Clara Tauson of Denmark in the first round of the US Open.

Eala went on to win the match, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6, over Tauson as she finally got her first main draw victory in a Grand Slam.

Now Eala hopes to continue the momentum in the Australian Open as she aims for another miracle run.

A win over Parks will pit her against the winner between world No. 19 Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic and world No. 37 Jaqueline Cristian of Romania in the Round of 64.

She will also get a whopping 225,000 Australian dollars (P8.9 million) million if she gets another Grand Slam main draw win.

Eala is guaranteed 150,000 Australian dollars (P5.98 millions) even if she loses in the initial round.

The Australian Open dangles a top prize of 4.1 Australian Dollars (P163.2 million).

As a consolation, she will be available to compete as a wildcard in the Philippine Women’s Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center on 26 January.