Alex Eala’s stardom is undeniable, at least to Filipino fans all around the world. But when she’s being noticed even by a tennis legend, then it’s further proof that she’s becoming a really big deal in the world of tennis.
Novak Djokovic Notices Alex Eala
On Thursday, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic talked briefly about the Philippines’ own when asked about the Australian Open generating massive interest and attracting larger-than-usual crowds.
“I saw the other day with Alex Eala, you know, that’s been the talk, which is understandable. There’s some players coming from respective countries, like she’s coming from the Philippines, which is now a big deal… she’s been the biggest ever tennis player from that country, which is a big country, and there’s a big interest,” Djokovic pointed out in the postmatch presser after he beat Francesco Maestrelli in the second round of the Australian Open 2026. “So, things like that happen. I mean, you could argue that it was, you know, maybe a poor schedule, and maybe they could schedule her on a bigger court…”
Djokovic was alluding to the massive crowd that waited in long queues at Court 6 of Melbourne Park, where the Filipina ace made her Australian Open main draw debut against Alycia Parks. The venue, of course, was packed to the rafters, with more fans outside. Unfortunately, Eala lost in three sets to the American to crash out of singles competition.
Big Crowds Are a Good Problem
Djokovic’s overriding point, ultimately, is that big crowds are a good problem to have for tennis.
“Having too much crowd in this or any other tournament is a good problem to have,” Djokovic pointed out earlier before pivoting to the Eala situation at Court 6. “Every tournament wants record-breaking attendance and ticket sales… It’s a good sign.”
To that point, Alex Eala has been heaven-sent to the sport of tennis, as her rise has no doubt ignited significant interest among Filipinos, who are arguably among the most ardent and audacious fans in the world in whatever sport. And the bedlam at Court 6, the big crowds that watch Eala in person, and the social media engagements of Eala-related posts are undeniable proof of this burning interest.
And, in the words of Djokovic, that’s a good problem to have.
(Watch Novak Djokovic’s entire presser below.)
