Filipinos in Toronto turned out in full force to cheer on tennis star Alex Eala during her Canadian Open campaign.
In a video shared by ABS-CBN reporter Dyan Castillejo, Filipinos are seen happily cheering for Eala, the first Filipina who won a WTA crown in the recent DC Open.
The Pinoy crowd were also in unison in saying "yes" when asked by Castillejo if Canada is now ready for Eala.
While waiting for Eala, they can be seen chanting the name of Eala while waving small Philippine flags.
In an interview, tournament director Karl Hale said they are happy to have Eala in the tournament.
"Alex is an absolutely blessing to the sport of tennis at our tournament," Hale said. "So it's an amazing tournament to have her here playing singles and doubles with Venus (Williams)."
According to Hale, Eala's opening match at Center Court was sold out.
"Our stadium has 10,077 seats, and the Filipino community for months now has been calling in, asking when does she play? Who does she play? Where does she play? My mother knows her uncle, sister's brother, cousin. They were so excited to have her... We told them when we make the draw, we're going to announce her start time... and the phones rang, tickets, sold, and boom. It was sold out on Wednesday night just like that," Hale said.
Hale said that they are also anticipating that tickets for the Thursday night with Eala and Williams at Stadium Court will be sold out.
Beyond the Pinoy crowd, Toronto was also hit by Eala mania with a food stall selling Pinoy adobo.
"It's the first time I've ever heard.. halfway through the tournament, (they ran) out of food offering just because of a player," Hale said.
The Filipina tennis star advanced to the third round of the 2026 Canadian Open with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 victory over American Alycia Parks. She will next face Caty McNally, who upset reigning Wimbledon champion Linda Nosková in the second round.