Filipino tennis superstar Alex Eala shared a reminder to the fans of the sport about proper etiquette when asking for autographs. In a video uploaded by a netizen on Facebook, Alex politely gave a Filipino fan a lecture after the latter threw the cap he wanted her to sign after her match at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya, Japan.
Alex was visibly surprised with the fan who threw the cap twice while she was on her way back to the locker room. She immediately stopped in her tracks as she picked up the cap and gave the Filipino fan a lecture on what should and shouldn’t be done.
READ: Alex Eala expresses gratitude after US Open exit: ‘A forever kind of memory’
“Sir, hindi ka dapat nagtatapon ng mga gamit sa mga players,” Alex shared.
The fan was heard apologizing in the video multiple times as Alex gave in and signed the cap. Prior to giving back the cap, she reminded him once more about proper etiquette and hoped that the fan would ask nicely next time.
“If you say it nicely, I will sign for you pero wag kang mag tatapon please,” she added.
Fans of Alex rallied behind her in the comment section of the netizen’s post as they all agreed that everyone should have proper decorum when asking for autographs. Other tennis fans hoped that this would be a lesson to new fans of the sport.
READ: Rafa Nadal congratulates Alex Eala following historic Mubadala DC Open title win
“Hindi un Arti, meaning ‘aarte.’ Tinapon, nilaglag, hinulog etc.. We're not supposed to do that to any players just to get the signature. Say something nice or sweet to get the player's attention so they will stop for you. We respect,” a fan wrote.
Meanwhile, Alex bowed out of the Asian Games 2026 earlier this week failing to win in the semifinals against China’s Wang Xiyu, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Despite losing in the semifinals, the tennis superstar took home the bronze medal–– a repeat of her Asian Games 2022 result.
Alex is set to return to the professional tour after the Asian Games as she joins the rest at the WTA.