Alexandra Eala’s popularity has continued to go through the roof at Indian Wells, where she is really impressing on her debut.
Eala has been backed to win Indian Wells, which would represent a maiden WTA title for the current world number 32, who has quickly become one of the most popular figures in tennis.
She beat Dayana Yastremska in her opening match of the WTA 1000 tournament in California after receiving a first round bye, before Coco Gauff retired hurt against Eala in the round of 32.
Filipina ace Eala now takes on Linda Noskova in the round of 16, with their match given high priority status by the powers that be at Indian Wells.
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Alexandra Eala’s superstar status confirmed again with Stadium 1 appearance
Eala will play against Noskova at Stadium 1, the primary showcourt at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which has a capacity of 16,100.
It is the second-largest tennis-specific stadium in the world, and can be accessed only with a reserved ticket for the tournament.
It is a statement in itself to put Eala there, but arguably an even bigger statement is giving her priority over a fan favorite in Tuesday’s evening session.
Intriguingly, American superstar and world number six Amanda Anisimova will take on Victoria Mboko at Stadium 2.
Indian Wells organizers have made errors at this year’s event, but this does look to be a sensible option given the huge support that Eala constantly attracts.
It’s a smart decision from a business standpoint, but more significantly serves to highlight just how much power she holds right now.
Noskova will, of course, have her supporters, but the majority of the noise at Stadium 1 will be coming from those backing the Filipina superstar.
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Latest Indian Wells order of play as Alexandra Eala given chance to shine
The selection from Indian Wells organizers certainly gives Eala a chance to shine on the big stage, although she will be keen to avoid any distraction given the tough test at hand.
Eala has a poor record against Czech players, and world number 14 Noskova will be doing her utmost to continue that trend.
She’ll also be eager to play the role of the villain in California, where Eala’s popularity has grown with every win.
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Her superstar status is made all the more remarkable by her relative lack of success in her career so far, with a WTA title yet to be secured and the Top 30 yet to be cracked.
However, aged just 20, she has so much time to hone her skills and really live up to the excitement that she has generated from her brief time in professional tennis.
| Stadium 1 | Stadium 2 |
| Aryna Sabalenka v Naomi Osaka | Arthur Fils v Felix Auger-Aliassime |
| Frances Tiafoe v Alexander Zverev | Talia Gibson v Jasmine Paolini |
| Learner Tien v Alejandro Davidovich Fokina | Arthur Rinderknech/Valentin Vacherot v Novak Djokovic/Stefanos Tsitsipas |
| Joao Fonseca v Jannik Sinner | Victoria Mboko v Amanda Anisimova |
| Alexandra Eala v Linda Noskova | Cristina Bucsa/Nicole Melichar-Martinez v Luisa Stefani/Gabriela Dabrowski |
The latest schedule for Stadium 1 highlights Eala’s importance right now, with Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka kickstarting the day’s action at the venue.
Also taking to the court are the likes of ATP icons Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev and Eala’s fellow rising star Joao Fonseca.
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