The chants of ‘Alex, Alex, Alex’ reached a fever pitch at Melbourne Park on Monday, transforming the Australian Open’s lively ‘party court’ into a cauldron of noise. Thousands of fans had descended, hoping to witness the continued rise of 20-year-old Filipino sensation Alexandra Eala. However, in a match of starkly shifting momentum, Eala ultimately fell to a determined Alycia Parks of the United States, losing 0-6, 6-3, 6-2.
A Phenomenal Crowd and a Fast Start
The scene at Court Six was one of unprecedented fervour for an early-round match. Thousands of supporters queued for a chance to watch world number 49 Alexandra Eala, with many unable to secure a seat in the limited arena. Those who missed out gathered at Garden Square’s big screens, while inside, a sea of Philippine flags waved with every point Eala won.
The 20-year-old, the sole Filipino representative in the women’s singles draw, rewarded her passionate fans with a blistering start. She dominated the first set, sealing it 6-0 in just half an hour and sending the crowd into delirium. The support was so vocal that the chair umpire was forced to intervene on multiple occasions, pleading for quiet between points.
Parks Ignites a Stunning Comeback
Faced with a partisan wall of sound, Alycia Parks showcased immense mental fortitude. The American, ranked 99th in the world, recalibrated after the first-set bagel, using the crowd's energy to fuel her fightback. "It definitely puts a fire in me," Parks admitted after the match.
She broke early in the second set to lead 3-0. Although Eala battled back to level at 3-3, Parks found another gear, winning the final three games to take the set 6-3. She carried this momentum into the decider, breaking immediately and maintaining pressure to close out a memorable 6-2 victory. Parks now advances to face 19th seed Karolina Muchova in the second round.
Reflection and Pride for a Rising Star
Despite the defeat, Alexandra Eala reflected with grace on a landmark 12 months and the significance of her presence. She is the first Filipino woman to break into the world’s top 50, a feat achieved after a sensational run to the Miami Open semi-finals in 2025, where she defeated stars like Iga Swiatek.
"I’m still young, 20, so learning how to deal with all of this attention," Eala said. She expressed profound gratitude for the fans who "squeezed into that cozy court," adding, "I felt so loved." While acknowledging the difficulty of the loss, she highlighted the positive: "I’m the only Filipina in the draw this year... So there are positives to take away."
The match on Court Six was more than a second-round exit; it was a testament to Eala’s status as a national sporting icon and a thrilling display of resilience from her opponent, Alycia Parks.
