"Long lines had already formed outside of Stadium 3 six hours before the start of Alexandra Eala's second-round match against Dayana Yastremska at the BNP Paribas Open on Friday. Holding Filipino flags and wearing shirts that read "Alexandra Eala fan club," hundreds of enthusiastic fans looked desperate to make their way inside to get a glimpse of the 20-year-old sensation."
"Eala has quickly become one of the most popular players in the sport, drawing hordes of fans, many for the first time, to tennis tournaments around the world. A surprise semifinal run as a wild card at the Miami Open last year, including wins over Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys, put her on the map, and she has become a can't-miss fixture at events ever since."
"Through it all, she has continued to make history for her native Philippines -- including becoming the highest-ranking Filipina player and the first from the country to ever reach a WTA final. Currently at No. 32, one off of her career-high ranking, she will likely crack the top rankings soon."
Alexandra Eala, a 20-year-old Filipino tennis player, has become a major draw at professional tournaments. Hundreds of fans camped outside Stadium 3 at Indian Wells six hours before her second-round match against Dayana Yastremska, holding Filipino flags and wearing fan club shirts. Despite the match being delayed until late evening, many fans remained in the stands to watch Eala defeat Yastremska 7-5, 4-6, 7-5. Her popularity surged following a surprise semifinal run at the Miami Open as a wild card, where she defeated top players Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys. Eala has made history for the Philippines, becoming the highest-ranking Filipina player and the first to reach a WTA final, currently ranked No. 32.
Read at ESPN.com
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