Alexandra Eala has suffered a dramatic exit from the Australian Open after losing her first match of the Grand Slam.
WTA Tour rising star Eala led Alycia Parks 6-0 after one set of their opener in Melbourne, only to lose the next two.
The Philippines ace lost 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 to the American, who now takes on Karolina Muchova in the Australian Open second round.
Huge numbers took to Court 6 at Melbourne Park to watch the first round match, the majority of whom were rooting for Eala.
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Alexandra Eala says she’s ‘nowhere near’ Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka
Eala was indeed tasked with discussing her popularity after her exit, when it was put to her that around 170,000 people watched her pre-tournament press conference, compared to figures of under 40,000 for the likes of ATP stars Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
She said of the situation: “Yeah, I guess, I haven’t really thought about it. I haven’t seen those numbers. So, then again, like I said in the last press conference, taking everything with a spoonful of gratitude.
“I’m nowhere near the leagues of, of course, the greats, Djokovic, and then now [Aryna] Sabalenka and Alcaraz and all of these people.
“I have so much respect for them. I think everyone does. But yeah, I like to think that I have a following for a reason.
“I like to think that the impact that I’ve had and the platform that I’ve built has a positive effect on a certain demographic and my demographic.
“Yeah so, I mean, I guess this is one of the moments that I can reflect on what this means for Philippine tennis. I’m the only Filipina in the draw this year.
“I’m the only Filipina that’s ever been in the draw, I think. So there are positives to take away. Like I said, so much gratitude and super thankful, yeah.”
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Alexandra Eala should be disappointed with early Australian Open exit
Eala may only be 20 years old, but she’s already attracted a huge following in her very brief tennis career so far.
And she’s also proven her maturity beyond her years time and again, with the hype surrounding her certain to prove difficult at times.
Despite the huge support in Melbourne, it was always going to be a difficult task against Parks, but Eala will likely be feeling very disappointed and frustrated with the result.
With a 34-minute first-set bagel, she held a very commanding early lead, as well as entering the Grand Slam on the back of a semifinal run at the ASB Classic.
Still, the future looks very bright indeed for the youngster, who is currently in her career-high ranking of world number 49.
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