ALEX Eala’s blazing start, fueled by a loud and passionate Filipino crowd, fizzled out as world No. 99 Alycia Parks stormed back for a 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory in the opening round of the 2025 Australian Open.
Eala drew an unusually vibrant atmosphere to the humble Court 6 venue, with chants and cheers echoing throughout the match that sometimes turned into a polarizing spectacle with jeers and untimely outbursts.
READ: Alex Eala fades after fiery start, loses to Parks in Australian Open
The behavior drew repeated reminders from the chair umpire and even protests from Parks herself as she appeared visibly distracted at several points.
For some, the scene was a proud showcase of Filipino passion and pride on the world stage while others thought it may have crossed the line as a disregard for long-held tennis etiquette.
After Eala's first-set masterclass, the tide shifted in Parks' favor, leaving the Filipino hopeful to exit early in the year’s first Grand Slam, drawing mixed reactions on social media shortly after.
‘Too much’ from PH crowd?
Pure Filipino passion
Phenomenal start
‘Set 2 curse’
Bawi!
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