TORONTO — Enthusiastic fans thronged the open side of a modest practice court, forming a line at least six or seven deep, eager to catch a glimpse of the tennis sensation making waves across the globe.
Dyan Castillejo, a well-known Filipino journalist and former tennis player, stood atop a small grandstand, delighting a spirited crowd by signing autographs and snapping photos. The atmosphere buzzed with pride and support from the community.
Though 21-year-old Alexandra Eala chose to practice her shots on Centre Court instead of her scheduled pre-match hit, the excitement among fans gathered behind Sobeys Stadium at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers remained undeterred.
Excitement in the Greater Toronto Area’s vibrant Filipino community (which was noted to exceed 270,000 in the 2021 census) had been building for weeks. According to Castillejo, Eala’s match was characterized by “a wild Filipino crowd. The loudest I’ve ever heard … It felt like home.”
The jubilant roar from the rare sell-out crowd of over 10,000 celebrating Eala’s three-set victory against Alycia Parks echoed across York University’s vast campus. Eala embraced the moment, forming a heart shape with her hands, acknowledging another unforgettable crowd in a year brimming with milestones.
“She’s being dubbed the next (Manny) Pacquiao,” remarked Danilo (Sani) Baluyot, executive director of Toronto’s upcoming Taste of Manila event, a beloved annual gathering reflecting the vibrant Filipino heritage in the northwest region of the city.
“At such a young age, she captures the community’s heart. As the National Bank Open unfolds, her victories will draw even more supporters.”
For seasoned Canadian tennis enthusiasts, the scenes on Centre Court were reminiscent of some of the most electric experiences in tournament history — comparable to Victoria Mboko’s title last year or Bianca Andreescu’s spellbinding run in 2019. The notable difference, however, was that these triumphs all featured Canadian players.
Just like the World Cup earlier this summer, Wednesday showcased Toronto’s marvelous multiculturalism. A large community turned out to support a potential sports icon, the biggest Filipino star since Pacquiao.
“The atmosphere was akin to celebrating a Grand Slam victory, and this is only the second round in Toronto,” said play-by-play commentator Mark Petchey during the WTA Tour broadcast. “The extraordinary Alex Eala is achieving feats in tennis that seem almost surreal.”
Pacquiao himself recognized Eala as “our new champion” in a recent post. Across various cities, the Filipino diaspora has made its vibrant presence known at Eala’s matches.
In Toronto, some young men donned T-shirts emblazoned with the message: “Fight. Believe. Represent.” A family, accompanied by their toddler, displayed a sign adorned with a Filipino flag capturing the moment: “Past my bedtime, but cheering for you, Alex.” Another fan waved both Canadian and Filipino flags while posing in front of a giant tennis ball.
Inside the stadium, numerous large Filipino flags were draped proudly across boxes and the upper deck.
“What makes Alex special is her unyielding pride in her Filipino identity,” noted Rosemarie Ami Seaborn, who collaborates with Baluyot on Taste of Manila. “She always emphasizes her roots and radiates this pride at every event.”
Her recent title in Washington, clinched by overcoming formidable opponents like Jessica Pegula and Naomi Osaka among others, established Eala as the first Filipino woman to win a WTA tournament. Now ranked 20th globally, she’s come a long way.
Not bad for a young talent who began her journey on basketball courts in a nation where tennis often takes a back seat. Moving to Spain at 13 to train at Rafael Nadal’s academy marked a significant turning point in her pursuit of success on the international scene.
As she rises, Eala captivates not only those in the Philippines but also Filipinos abroad.
“What Canadian audiences witness is our Filipino Bayanihan spirit — a celebration of community, unity, and compassion,” said Rechie Valdez, Canada’s Minister of Women and Gender Equality and the first Filipino Canadian woman elected to parliament. “Right now, Alex embodies a bayani, a national hero. Her journey is ours to cheer on.”
Valdez noted that the response to Eala in Toronto was anticipated, given the current representation deficit in international sports for the Philippines, which has garnered only nine Summer Olympic medals since 2000.
But when someone from the Philippines shines, the unity and enthusiasm of the community are palpable.
“This is our essence,” Valdez stated in a phone call from Charlottetown. “We rally behind anyone achieving greatness. When one rises, we all rise together.”
Eala is also elevating the WTA Tour.
Following her Washington victory, a podcast featuring Pegula and Madison Keys saw an impressive surge of over 10,000 new subscribers, where Eala had previously guest-starred.
“Filipino supporters,” remarked Pegula at the NBO, “are remarkable.”
Coco Gauff shared similar sentiments after their encounter in Dubai, which also has a sizable Filipino fanbase. “I can’t emphasize enough how great it is to see Alex bringing in a demographic that’s often underrepresented in tennis. It’s inspiring and enhances our experience on the court.”
The exuberance and joy Eala displayed at Toronto’s prominent tennis venue were truly remarkable for her swiftly growing fan following.
As she addressed the crowd, she seamlessly blended Tagalog with English: “So many Filipinos are here tonight. So many flags. Thank you!” she exclaimed to the roaring cheers. “I’m eternally grateful. Coming off Washington, it feels like a celebration here.”
Following an electrifying doubles match alongside the legendary Venus Williams, Eala will step back onto the same court Friday night for her singles bout against American Caty McNally.
After her Friday night session was confirmed, ticket sales took off, with less than 20 options remaining by early Friday morning.
The match is set to commence second, right after Gauff wraps up her third round at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (accessible on Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet+).
“Filipinos overseas show up whenever someone carries our flag,” Seaborn shared. “Be it Alex Eala or Pacquiao, we celebrate as a family with food and festivities. Every match feels like a festival amongst friends and family.”
