ALEX Eala's meteoric rise this year has seen her attract crowds that grew bigger and bigger after each tournament, forcing organizers to beef up security and bring the Filipina rising star's games to bigger venues.
"I think those moments kind of hit a bit stronger when they're unexpected," she told Agence France Presse.
Eala, now ranked a career-best 17th in the world, recalled that first instance at the Australian Open earlier this year where she needed the help of security just to get out of the venue after a first-round loss to Alycia Parks.
"Hard to forget," she said. "Yeah, it was shocking. I've experienced crowds before but I think that was probably my first experience where it was of that magnitude."
Nonetheless, the 21-year-old isn't one to shy away from her audience - Filipino or not - who come from everywhere in the world just to support her.
"I do my best to give back to them. It's something that I can do to show them that (their support) is appreciated," said the lefty hitter.
Eala, now the second seed, begins her season-ending campaign at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open on Tuesday evening against Parks.
It's also not lost on Eala how this ascent has opened doors and given her opportunities to be among the greats, including teaming up with Venus Williams in doubles.
The two linked up in doubles play at the Bad Homburg Open in Germany back in June and the National Bank Open in Toronto last August.
"I think when you're able to work so closely or be in the vicinity of someone of that magnitude or someone like Venus, you notice a lot of things, and I try to be a little observant," said Eala, sharing the things she learned from the seven-time Grand Slam singles winner.
"The mindset that she has of aggression on court is amazing and the work ethic is incredible. I think the work ethic is something that is difficult to achieve." she added.
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