EUPHORIA from Washington has extended to Toronto.
As Alycia Parks clawed her way back against a fatigued Alex Eala on Centre Court at the National Bank Open, the full capacity crowd of 5,000 - majority, if not all, were Filipinos - did its part to remind the lone Filipina on the WTA Tour that this was just another 'home match.'
The world No. 20 rose to the occasion in the decider, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, to mark a winning debut at the Canadian Open less than three days after capturing her maiden WTA 500 title in the U.S. capital.
READ: Eala brings over fine form to Canada to beat very game Parks
After the hard-fought victory, the first words out of Eala's mouth were in her native tongue, as she addressed a sold-out audience waving hundreds of Philippine flags and homemade placards throughout the nearly two-hour match.
"Kamusta tayo ngayon, Toronto? Itaas niyo mga bandila niyo, patingin!" the 21 year old said during her on-court interview.
Asked about the overwhelming support, Eala admitted the celebration from Washington seemed to have followed her north.
"I am eternally grateful. I just came off Washington, so I feel like this is a celebration," she said.
We the North (for Alex)
Home to one of the world's largest Filipino communities, Canada turned out in full force for Eala's tournament debut.
Some fans held up signs reading, "Called in sick today to watch the game," while chants of "Kaya mo 'yan, Alex!" echoed around the venue then right into the international broadcast, highlighting the Filipina's growing following that has translated into packed stands, sold-out tickets, and soaring online engagement.
The commentators even likened the atmosphere surrounding Eala to the early days of Roger Federer, whose matches also became must-see events, as his popularity surged alongside his rise in the rankings.
Make no mistake, Eala will never take it for granted.
"Linggo-linggo ko nakikitang sinusuportahan ako. Linggo-linggo kong nakikita gaano niyo kamahal ang kapwa niyong Pinoy, kaya mahal na mahal ko kayo lahat," she said. "It's a pleasure in my life to witness these things."
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