Naomi Osaka: “It is so cool that Alex is building a new community”
Such is the case no matter where in the world she plays, plenty of fans were roaring Eala home in her tournament opener. It is something other competitors have praised since her breakout.
Speaking to reporters after her own second-round success, Naomi Osaka recalled walking past a packed-out practice court with fans eager to get a glimpse of Eala.
“I think it’s awesome,” said the former world No. 1, who lost to Eala in the semi-finals of last week’s Mubadala DC Open.
“They’re so kind too, her fans. I think she’s playing late tonight [Wednesday] and some of them were on my court cheering for me.
“I just felt really grateful, it’s so cool that she is building a new community. Her fans probably watch tennis enough now to have other favourites, too – it’s amazing and great for the tournament, because she sells a lot of tickets.”
Coco Gauff, who fended off competition from compatriot Kayla Day in the second round, was equally full of praise for this new demographic of supporters.
The 22-year-old, who has faced Eala numerous times, has urged other players to embrace the exposure she is bringing to the WTA Tour.
“I think I’ve said this before, I’ll say it again: I think the demographic that Alex is bringing to the sport of tennis is so great,” she told the media. “I think all of us should really embrace that, because we’re all benefiting from it.
“Just to see a nation of people, who maybe don’t always feel represented in this sport, really see themselves out there, I think it’s incredibly inspiring. It makes it fun for me to go out there and just play.”