SINGAPORE — The "Eala-mania' that followed Filipina tennis star Alex Eala from Washington, Toronto and New York has now made its way to the Asian Swing — and it is showing no signs of slowing down.
A throng of fans attended a public Q&A session featuring Eala on Wednesday, a day before she plunges into action in the Singapore Tennis Open against Tatiana Prozorova in the round-of-16.
READ: Organizers welcome 'Eala-mania' to Singapore Open
READ: Eala opens Singapore campaign as seed no. 3 vs Prozorova
Fans of all ages trooped to Gate 6 at the National Stadium, hours ahead of the 4:30 p.m. schedule. Because of the huge turnout, the venue was switched from Gate 6 to Gate 9.
Eala was cheered on by her fans as she chatted with the host, discussing a range of topics including her favorite food and music. She also read messages from her fans.
Among those who showed up were supporters who had tried and failed to watch Eala live before, as well as fans who came dressed in Eala's blue US Open kit.
OPEN PRACTICE
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala practices ahead of Singapore Tennis Open round-of-16 match, September 23, 2026. Jeff Canoy, ABS-CBN News
An hour after the Q&A session, Eala locked in for practice at Court 1. The 30-minute workout was open to the public.
The supporters who stayed behind after her Q&A were treated to a close-up look at how the world No. 18 is preparing for her match against Prozorova.
With Eala during practice was Coach Sandro Viaene from the Rafa Nadal Academy.
After wrapping up, Eala made time for the fans who had been waiting with caps, tennis balls, and other merchandise ready for her signature.
Elsewhere at the tournament, the results are setting up an exciting quarterfinal.
Top seed Mirra Andreeva was dominant in her second-round match, defeating Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2, 6-2.
Sixth seed Leylah Fernandez also advanced, beating Alycia Parks 6-4, 6-3.
The two will meet in the quarterfinals.