MANILA -- Friends and fans of Alex Eala showed their utmost support to the Filipina tennis star at  a viewing party at Villa Verde Country Club in Pasig City.

Eala's friends and fans gathered to witness her match against world No. 4 Jessica Pegula at the 2025 WTA Miami Open via live streaming.

The venue served a significant role in Eala's developing years as a tennis player.

The hard court of the country club served as Eala's playground. Alex's lolo was her first coach. 

"Nakilala ko si Alex dito sa Valle Verde Country Club. Ang nag-start sa kaniya ay 'yung lolo niya. Napakahigpit ni lolo talagang 'yung commitment niya talaga nakita ko," said Cenon Gonzales, a friend of Eala's family.

"Mga three years old siya dito kami sa court, ako 'yung ball boy niya, ako 'yung tiga-pulot. Tapos 'yung lolo niya talaga 'yung nagtuturo sa kaniya. Proud na proud kasi ang galing niya talaga," said Erwin Espina, former ball boy of Alex Eala.

Pegula won the opening set in come-from-behind fashion, digging herself out of a 2-5 hole to claim the tiebreak. Eala rebounded in the second set but ran out of steam in the third, with Pegula seizing a 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-3 win to advance to the finals.

READ: Dream run ends for Alex Eala with loss to Pegula in Miami Open semis

Although the stars did not align for Eala, the cheers from her friends and family remained and they expressed their pride in the player and her journey.

"Nakakatuwa ano, dito kasi lumaki si Alex since she was four years old. We're so happy that she is part of the world stage ngayon," said Ritchie Lozada, general manager of the country club.

"She's the first Filipina to beat three Grand Slam champions, so we are very proud of it," said Cesar Zambaga, a fan of Alex Eala.

"I think Filipinos should be very happy. It was a very good result because this is just the beginning for Alex. She's going to have more matches like this," said Tom Flynn, an American tennis coach.

Also present at the viewing party was Ria Hosaka, an 11-year-old tennis player, who is a friend and fan of Eala.

"I was inspired by Alex Eala because I met her when I was four years old. Ever since then my parents started pushing me to play tennis," said Hosaka.

As they left the venue, friends and fans of Eala were assured that the Pinay tennis star will shine even brighter in her next matches.