Alex Eala gaining recognition as top fan favorite in women’s tennis over Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka

Alex Eala’s rise on the WTA Tour is no longer just about rankings, it’s also about reach. Now ranked No. 31 in the world, the Filipina has steadily built a following that stretches far beyond her position in the standings. 

Throughout 2026, she has played in front of packed crowds in Melbourne and Abu Dhabi, with tournament organizers noting strong attendance during her matches. 

Her recent run at the Dubai Tennis Championships highlighted by wins over Hailey Baptiste, Jasmine Paolini, and Sorana Cirstea which once again drew significant fan support.

On the Nothing Major show, former world No. 9 Sam Querrey posed a question: is Eala currently the biggest draw in women’s tennis? 

Steve Johnson didn’t hesitate and said yes, emphasizing how surreal her impact has become. 

According to Johnson, it’s “crazy,” explaining that she’s having the same effect that Fonseca had on the men’s side last year in Miami and Australia.

“Then, Dubai [had] standing room only. It’s insane, like it’s massive the crowds she’s getting, like all over the world, are insane,” he added. 

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Alex Eala greets fans and sign autographs outside after her loss against Coco Gauff in the Dubai Tennis Championships. (: elfisthehunter/IG) | via @DYANCASTILLEJO pic.twitter.com/JlGmL9Xy2W

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) February 19, 2026

Querrey agreed, noting that the buzz keeps compounding. He described it as attention pouring in from all directions, with the story around Eala growing bigger and bigger by the week.

The discussion didn’t stop there. Querrey even asked whether Eala’s draw might surpass that of Aryna Sabalenka or Coco Gauff which is a sign of just how quickly the Filipina’s presence has altered the competitive conversation around the women’s game.

John Isner later weighed in, pointing to market forces that had long been overlooked. He said the Philippines represents a huge market that many underestimated, and that the country has finally found a star on the women’s side. 

“Whatever tournament she’s in. I’m assuming it’s the Filipino community from wherever they are in that part of the world have to see her,” Isner said. 

Now ranked No. 31 in the world, Eala is set to become a seeded player at a WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career at Indian Wells — another milestone in a steady climb that has captivated fans well beyond the Philippines.

The rankings reflect her growth, but the crowds tell a bigger story. Eala isn’t just rising through the sport, she’s expanding it pulling new audiences into tennis and transforming tournaments into events. 

In a game constantly searching for its next global spark, Alex Eala has become more than a contender.

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