Australian Open 2026: How Alexandra Eala and Melbourne Park were overwhelmed by her popularity
In short, Ella is an enduring star in a Southeast Asian country with limited pedigree in tennis.
Her surprising victory over six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek at last year’s Miami Open ensured that Ella’s life would never be the same again.
“Some things have been a little overwhelming this week, especially during my training,” Ella said.
“I didn’t expect that many people to be there. It’s a learning process. I’m just trying to take it.”
Ella, a product of Mallorca’s Rafael Nadal Academy, has long been viewed as a trailblazer after becoming the first Filipino player to win a WTA Tour event in 2021.
In 2022, she won the U.S. Open and became the first person to win a junior Grand Slam title, putting the then-teenager on the cover of her hometown Vogue.
Veteran boxer Manny Pacquiao may still be America’s most famous sports star, but Ella’s exploits mean she is an icon for the next generation of sport.
“She always carried the flag and the country proudly – that resonated with everyone,” said Imee Vee, a Filipino who traveled from Sydney to watch Ella compete.
“She was becoming a national hero. Everybody started stopping what they were doing and tuning in. She was dominating the sports news.”
