Alex Eala found herself at the epicenter of a fervent volleyball spectacle — Game 2 of the Premier Volleyball League 2nd All-Filipino Conference Finals.
It was a historic moment, etched in the records of Philippine sports, as Eala joined a record-breaking crowd of 25,459 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Despite tennis taking a backseat to the more popular realms of Philippine sports, particularly volleyball and basketball, Eala was taken aback by the warm reception she received.
Fans, driven by an unexpected yet genuine enthusiasm, eagerly lined up for a chance to capture a moment with the 190th-ranked tennis player in the world and secure a cherished autograph.
For Eala, this unexpected surge of public recognition became a testament to the profound impact her performances on the tennis court have had on representing the Philippines on the global stage.
"I'm quite surprised that people know who I am here, especially in a crowd dominated by volleyball enthusiasts," shared the left-handed player, who coincidentally shares a physical therapist, Haree Rañeses, with the Cool Smashers.
"It's heartening to see that people are also following tennis. It demonstrates that my work is making a difference within Philippine sports, and it's truly uplifting. I'm genuinely happy and flattered to see an increasing number of people joining me on this journey," continued the wunderkind.
Becoming a part of history during her inaugural live PVL game, Eala now harbors aspirations for tennis to garner a comparable level of support in the future.
Reflecting on the evolution of volleyball's popularity in the country, she expressed optimism about witnessing a similar surge for tennis.
"I didn't know what to expect going into the game, but I'm delighted to see that this sport is very much alive within the Philippine community, and it's truly inspiring," remarked Eala.
"Of course, for tennis, I hope that one day we can achieve an atmosphere akin to what we witnessed here," she added, sharing her dreams of a vibrant and impassioned tennis community in the Philippines.
