Alexandra Eala has the loudest fans at the US Open, and she's welcoming the noise: 'it doesn’t get old'

New York — During the fourth game of Alexandra Eala's first-round match at the US Open, the intensity of the crowd's reaction reached a fever pitch. Chair umpire Marijana Veljovic made a plea for the audience to lower their voices out of respect for both players. As Eala, the first significant tennis player from the Philippines, continued her climb up the rankings, fan etiquette has become a hot topic surrounding her matches.

With a growing number of fans who are new to the sport, this has led to some intense atmospheres at otherwise quiet tennis tournaments. Some of Eala's opponents have expressed discomfort with the level of enthusiasm, while others have praised the electrifying atmosphere. In a recent match, Jessica Pegula acknowledged the thrilling environment as one of the best she's experienced.

Despite the occasional distraction, Eala has managed to maintain her focus and composure, attributing her success to her ability to compartmentalize the external factors and concentrate on the game. As she advances deeper into the tournament, the impact of her passionate supporters could become an even more significant factor, particularly in high-profile matches against top players such as Coco Gauff.