Dubai: Alex Eala’s popularity continues to soar, with the young Filipina drawing massive crowds wherever she competes. At both the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and the Abu Dhabi Open, fans packed the stands to watch her matches — a trend that has become increasingly common as her profile rises on the global stage.

Former world No 5 Genie Bouchard was among those who took notice, even comparing Eala’s growing star power to some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. During a live episode of Tennis Channel, Bouchard jokingly answered “Yeah, Taylor Swift” when asked if she had seen any female athlete receive the kind of support Eala enjoys worldwide — referencing global pop icon Taylor Swift.

“I have to say a little bit of Sania Mirza, back in her heyday, the Indian fans took to her and they followed her around the globe but obviously not to this extend. I think the ceiling that Alex Eala has is obviously that much higher.

“Maybe Manny Pacquiao when he was at the top of his game and alongside Roger Federer, he actually had more prize money. So, I think if Eala can keep doing well with her tennis. Who knows? Sky’s the limit on the court, off the court, she could be rolling it if you will.”