A Phenomenon Growing Fast
Alex Eala is no longer just a rising star. According to former British No. 1 Annabel Croft, the 21-year-old Filipina is developing something rare in professional tennis: a genuine aura. Speaking to Sky Sports, Croft described the scenes at the Canadian Open in Toronto as utterly overwhelming, noting that the stadium was completely packed and the energy level was extraordinary. Her verdict was direct: she has simply never witnessed anything quite like the movement building around Eala.
Eala's breakout run to the semifinals at the 2025 Miami Open lit the fuse, and a passionate Filipino fanbase has kept the flame burning ever since. The Philippines has historically had very little presence in professional tennis, which makes the groundswell of support around Eala even more remarkable. Croft praised not only the crowd phenomenon but also Eala's composure within it, noting how the youngster absorbs the noise and excitement without losing her focus or her grace on court.
Left-Handed Danger and Growing Locker-Room Respect
Croft was equally impressed by the technical side of Eala's game. She highlighted the deceptive quality of Eala's left-handed serve, comparing its clever placement and spin to that of three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber, who similarly maximized a modest serve through variety and precision. Croft also pointed to the damage Eala's forehand quietly inflicts, describing it as more effective than its modest appearance suggests.
With a career-high ranking of 18, a first WTA title in Washington, and a fourth-round Wimbledon run that included a victory over defending champion Iga Swiatek, Eala has proven she belongs among the elite. Croft believes those results are already earning Eala serious respect throughout the locker room. TennisDraw users have been backing Eala heavily in their US Open bracket predictions ahead of the tournament.
