MANILA – Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala gives back to her supporters with a surprise meet and greet event on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Eala graced the fan zone of the Philippine Women's Open Tuesday afternoon, as rains hampered the start of the main draw matches.
Fans present in the venue were delighted and excited to see the Filipina tennis ace up close and personal, aside from during matches.
Even before the fan meet began, long lines of supporters could be seen inside the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, each person holding a tennis ball or memorabilia.
Eala gamely greeted each fan and signed the tennis ball or memorabilia, with some fans sneaking in a quick message or greeting for the Filipina tennis star.
READ: Alex Eala cherishes 'special' win at PH Women's Open
Among the lucky fans were sisters Jelena and Justine Jose, who are both huge fans of the WTA No. 49 player and got their Eala cap and tennis ball signed.
"I was really nervous but also excited at the same time.... I was like 'hi it's so nice to meet you'," Jelena said of meeting Eala.
Jelena, who recently started playing tennis, shared that she got even more motivated meeting one of her inspirations in person.
"It was surreal. It was super cool like seeing her, it's the first time I've seen her... I just greeted her and told her she's doing so well. She's so nice. I love her," Justine added.
Father and daughter Arthur and Lesley Menor, were among those first in line in the brief but memorable meet and greet event.
Lesley, who is based in the United States, said she has been following and supporting Eala ever since her juniors career.
She was also present when Eala won the US Open junior girls singles title in 2022.
Lesley said she is glad to see the growth of both tennis and the support of the community, following Eala's success.
READ: Alex Eala dominates Charaeva, through to 2nd round of PH Women's Open
"It is just phenomenal and I'm just so proud of Philippine tennis. It has increased a lot. It's always nice seeing her [Alex Eala] play," she said.
"The support of the Filipinos in the US is always phenomenal but today it's like four times the crowd," Lesley added.
On her Instagram post earlier in the day, Eala expressed gratitude for the support of the Filipinos that filled center court, as she swept Russia's Alina Charaeva to advance to the Round of 16.
"Panalangin ko sa habambuhay makasama kayong mga Pinoy," she wrote on her post.
Eala is awaiting her opponent in the Round of 16, as Tuesday's matches have been delayed due to the rain.