Naomi Osaka Left Stunned by Alexandra Eala’s Massive Popularity at Canadian Open: “She’s Building a New Community”

After competing at the Citi Open, both Naomi Osaka and Alexandra Eala arrived in Toronto for the Canadian Open, and both have reached the third round. Eala overcame Alycia Parks in three sets to schedule her next match against Caty McNally. The Japanese ace, on the other hand, knocked out Panna Udvardy to set up her next match against Elise Mertens.

Eala’s impact is pretty huge in tennis in terms of bringing a new fanbase. Whoever has stood on the opposite side of the net has found themselves playing in front of animated Filipino fans.

Coco Gauff, who has played Eala twice, loved the atmosphere. Osaka, too, was left amazed by Eala’s popularity.

I think it’s great. Like, just now I finished my match and the little go-kart was taking me back, I looked at the practice court, and it was completely full. I was like, who’s practicing right now? She didn’t even go on court yet, and then I saw the Filipino flags, and I was like, um-hum. But, no, I think it’s awesome. Like, they’re so kind, too, the fans.

Naomi Osaka said at the press conference

In Washington, Osaka’s run ended at the hands of Eala, who later upset home favorite Jessica Pegula to become the first Filipino to win a tour-level title.

Like, I think she’s playing late tonight, and some of them were on my court cheering for me. I just felt really grateful. So it’s so cool that she’s building a new community. And then obviously her fans probably, like, watch tennis enough now to have like other favorites too. So I think it’s amazing, and obviously great for the tournament, because she sells a lot of tickets.

Naomi Osaka added

Before the Citi Open, Eala also scripted history at Wimbledon following her straight-set win over defending champion Iga Swiatek in the third round, becoming the first player from the Philippines to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament. Eala also reached the final of last year’s Eastbourne International, but lost the match to Maya Joint. Osaka will only meet Eala in Toronto if they both progress to the semifinals.

Naomi Osaka on her US Open outfit

Naomi Osaka loves experimenting with fashion and turned heads of the tennis world at the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon with her extravagant outfits. After her jellyfish-inspired outfit in Melbourne, the four-time Grand Slam champion opted for a gold outfit that sparkled like “the Eiffel Tower at night” at the French Open.

For Wimbledon, she wore an all-white gown inspired by a kimono, a traditional Japanese attire. Osaka, at the press conference after her opening-round win in Toronto, gave a hint of what the fans can expect for her US Open outfit.

The story we will tell with the next US Open look is probably one of my favorites so far. Everyone knows Nike is working on a basketball-related theme, so that’s the biggest hint I can give.

If Osaka reaches the fourth round, she will face Mirra Andreeva or Leylah Fernandez. Osaka is a one-time finalist at the Canadian Open.

It was the 28-year-old whom home favorite Victoria Mboko defeated in last year’s final. Mboko, however, was forced to withdraw because of a knee injury she suffered during the Queen’s Club Championships.

This year, Osaka has played just one final, in Bad Homburg against Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova. She retired mid-match. Osaka last won a title at the 2021 Australian Open. This year in WTA 1000 events, Osaka has made the fourth round three times (Indian Wells, Madrid Open, and the Italian Open).

Also read: Andrea Petkovic Explains Why Alexandra Eala Reminds Her of Jannik Sinner: “She’s So Emotionally Stable”