Filipinos can be the best sports fans in the world. At the same time, they can also quickly become the worst. One perfect example is the same Pinoy fans who came to see Alex Eala in her Australian Open debut but may have crossed that fine line between supporting the Filipina star and becoming an unpleasant, unruly bunch.
“Annoying, Disrespectful, Embarrassing”—Pinoy Tennis Fans Get Negative Feedback
Tennis is often called the “gentleman’s game,” and tennis fans have almost always followed a set of strict, unwritten rules, also known as “tennis etiquette.” And unlike in other sports such as basketball, volleyball, and football, fan expectations are different in tennis. Notably, those who want to watch a professional tennis match must observe silence at certain points, especially during rallies. Additionally, fans must not make any movement that might distract the players and the officials. Just as important, cheering an opposing player’s faults is a big no in tennis.
However, some spectators noticed that some Pinoy fans who went to watch Eala at Melbourne Park were doing the exact opposite of what’s expected from tennis fans. Because of tight scheduling, some arrived way too early, and that resulted in a jam-packed tournament court.
Court 6—a.k.a. the “Party Court”—was just reincorporated with a new sports bar last year and suddenly became a mess with the flock of unexpected crowds. What’s worse is how the Filipino crowd allegedly cheered for Eala without much regard for those same unwritten rules. Some were even trying to distract her opponents by waving the Philippine flag and creating unnecessarily loud chants.
Even Alycia Parks, who beat Eala in the latter’s main draw debut at the Australian Open, admitted it was “difficult” battling the Filipina ace with a rowdy crowd behind her. But Parks kept her composure throughout the match and got the proverbial last laugh. Had that happened to superstar Novak Djokovic, he would have likely jawed at the crowd for being too noisy and too loud.
Eala’s Class Should Be the Example
Eala’s debut on one of the biggest stages of tennis is definitely another highlight of the 20-year-old’s budding tennis career. However, it can’t be denied that this milestone was somewhat sullied by some fans who chose to ignore—or probably didn’t know—tennis etiquette. The problem is that this could become a recurring issue, given Filipino fans’ unrivaled passion for supporting one of their own and their tendency to go overboard. It could be a PR nightmare for Eala at Grand Slams like Wimbledon, the French Open, and the US Open, where umpires are less lenient and would be more than willing to call out unruly Pinoy fans.
So, maybe it’s time for a reality check. Are these Pinoy fans really in it for the long haul to watch Alex Eala on her pro journey, or are they just in it for the hype and the clout? When support and enthusiasm turn into embarrassment, and when passion turns to disruption, change is in order. These fans will have to look at themselves in the mirror and act like true fans by respecting—and observing—tennis etiquette.
They owe it to Alex Eala, who has been the epitome of class and professionalism throughout her rise.
