A passionate crowd turned Manuka Doctor Arena into a cauldron and helped lift Alexandra Eala to a comeback win in one of the best matches of this year’s ASB Classic so far.
Alexandra Eala’s match against Donna Vekic may have been played at a tennis arena on Tuesday night, but it felt like it took place at a football stadium, such was the noise made by her passionate supporters.
The 20-year-old from the Philippines was cheered on by hundreds of her fans at the ASB Classic, as she defeated the experienced Croatian 4-6 6-4 6-4, in an enthralling contest that lasted two hours, 40 minutes.
It was one of the best matches so far at this year’s tournament, with the two players going blow for blow against each other and the occasion made far more special because of the noise made by Eala’s army of supporters, largely made up from the Auckland Filipino community.
It’s something Eala will have to get used to over her career, as it’s likely she’ll have many more nights like this.
“It’s so amazing just to have all these people show up,” Eala said.
“It definitely adds to the tension, the atmosphere and obviously the emotions after the match. So I’m grateful, I’m grateful that they took time out of their day to watch and support.”
There was high drama at the end of the match, when Eala served for it at 5-3 in the third set, but then had her serve broken.
However, Eala kept the pressure on Vekic by attacking with her returns and got another break to secure the victory.
“It was a very close match, and thankfully, I was able to steal a couple points and perform well in certain difficult moments,” she said.
“But it didn’t go my way in the first set. So I think that just shows how tough it was out there.”
The crowd erupted when Eala won the match and it showed just how popular she is becoming around the world, and the reaction is still something that blows her away.
“Every time, it just amazes me, and I enjoy so much,” she said.
“I’m so grateful because they really show up and they really support so I’m so, yeah.”
