Tennis great Jimmy Connors has revealed he is an admirer of Alex Eala’s game as he also gave his verdict on the Filipina star’s huge fanbase.
Eala secured her maiden career title at the WTA 500 tournament in Washington DC — a victory that saw her crack the top 20 of the rankings for the first time.
The 21-year-old followed up that triumph by defeating Alycia Parks in her opening match at the WTA 1000 event in Toronto on Wednesday. She will face Caty McNally in the third round in Canada.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Advantage Connors podcast, Connors candidly discussed Eala’s breakthrough.
“Let’s talk about her fanbase and the success she’s had, and what she brings to the women’s game is pretty amazing,” said the eight-time major champion.
“The breakthrough to win a 500. What’s next on her list? A 1000 [event], because she’s got that opportunity leading up to a Grand Slam.
“We talk about confidence all the time, and with that confidence and with the following like that, that shows up to her matches and get behind her, I know what a crowd can do for you and how it can push you to levels of play that you never thought that you could reach yourself, because that little extra push sometimes wins matches for you.
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“It’s pretty amazing. And I like the way that she plays. She’s left-handed, she takes the ball early, she’s not afraid to be aggressive on the returns and in the way she plays.
“Very refreshing to see that from her… and [she is] knocking on the door. Keep knocking on the door, keep knocking on those tournaments and good things will happen. It’s already started for her.”
The former world No 1 went on to reveal why he likes the vociferous support Eala receives.
“How good is that (the crowd support)? It pushes her,” the American continued.
“It gets in her mind that, ‘I’m doing this for myself, and I’m bringing people down on the court with me to get behind me, to be a part of what I do.’
“And that’s intimidating… I like that, I like it when the crowd’s getting involved and being a part of it and getting behind their players and pushing them and not being afraid to show it.
“That’s what made tennis exciting, in my opinion. Like it or not, like her or not, you’re there. You want to see her win or you don’t, but you’re there.
“And all that does is create interest in the women’s game, and in particular her, which is great.”
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