By Chris Oddo | @Thefanchild | Monday 14 April 2025
We saw how wonderful the Filipinas fan support could be for a player of this nation when Alexandra Eala Attacked in Miami Open’s semifinal and was strongly supported by a host of fans, both in the country and by virtually from around the world.
It was extraordinary to see a new star embraced by the tennis community in such a way.
Last week, at a virtual press conference organized by BPI and Globe, Eala spoke of a difficult thing to play for her country: Visa procurement challenges with her Philippine passport.
“What is challenging is to be able to travel with flexibility,” Eala said last week. “As a tennisist, you have to be very flexible with your schedule. You will make a lot of last minute choices, and it doesn’t allow you to time to organize all these-any time-you have ready visas.”
One can only imagine the difficulties. Not being able to make a decision to introduce a draw in the announcement of a moment can really put Kibos in a player. And treating staggering documents is never fun.
According to GQ, the Philippine passport ranks 75th in the Henley Passport Index, allowing visa-free or visa-in-turning into only 69 seats and territories.
Not to be worried. Eala likes to play for her flag, despite the complications.
“Of course, it’s Pinoys support,” she says. “You can’t find that kind of community anywhere else, in my opinion. Love and support, you know, this past month is a testimony to that.”
Current World No. 72 will return to action this week at the 125K event in OEIRAS, Portugal, where it is the high seed. Eala, 19, will face Anouk Kovermans, Netherlands in her first round match.
She will then play Madrid Open, which takes place from April 22 to May 4.
Alexandra Eala fighting the rain and making her argile debut this season at OEIRAS Open WTA 125, two weeks after hitting the top 100 with the semifinal in Miami.Too much support from Philippino – including Ambassador to Portugal, Paul Raymund Corte. Pic.twitter.com/wgn5y3s2j6
– Gaspar Ribeiro releases (@gasparlanca) April 14 2025
