Alex Eala is arguably the fastest-growing star in tennis right now, and if she continues to win every week, her fame is only likely to increase.

Despite being in Jessica Pegula‘s home country, the Filipina’s army of fans made the Washington Open final feel like downtown Manila.

Following her three-set defeat earlier this month to the 21-year-old, the American said, “Just to see how far you’ve come over the last couple of years when we first played, to see the amazing fans that follow you every single place you go – it’s not fun to play against, but I do appreciate the really fun atmosphere.”

In the Canadian Open, fans were clamouring to see Eala in action, and while Pegula found it difficult to deal with the crowd, Caty McNally felt it was a privilege to be part of.

Following her three-set loss to Eala in Toronto, the left-hander revealed how the American thanked her for “letting me be a part of this”.

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Eala was knocked out in the round of 32 in Cincinnati by former Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova in a three-set battle, but before then, former world No 1 women’s doubles player, Rennae Stubbs, imparted some advice to the 24-year-old.

The Australian – who has likened the youngster’s somewhat underpowered serve to fellow left-hander Angelique Kerber – said being able to cope with Eala’s noisy fans was half the battle, in addition to her groundstrokes and the first shot after her serve.

Serena Williams’ coach said on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, “You have to be mentally prepared to deal with the crowd. Not only Alex Eala’s ability and talent to take the ball on and redirect the ball really well, much like Angie Kerber used to do.

“If she allows Alex Eala to move around the court, she will lose.”

Last month, Stubbs felt Eala’s serve would prevent her from winning a Grand Slam, a view she has since somewhat softened on. The four-time women’s doubles major winner still thinks that delivery needs to improve but her opponents also have to work out how to deal with it better.

She continued, “I got into a little bit of trouble when I said I don’t think she can win a major title because of the serve and I still stand by that to a certain degree.

“These players have to figure out the leftiness of her serve. You have to go with the spin, you have to hit the correct shot and hit depth on the return. That’s what’s important. If you don’t, Alex Eala will make you use on the serve plus one.

“She has a very slow second serve, but that lefty helps.”

As Eala’s popularity skyrockets, her fans could get even more vocal and more widespread. Ergo, it could get tougher and tougher for her opponents to deal with it, something Pegula in particular struggled with.

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