Alexandra Eala is one of the most popular players in sports, let alone tennis.

Even though she’s currently ranked outside the top 30, Eala is among the most followed players on tour.

This year has seen her play in front of packed crowds at nearly every stop, with her appearances helping boost attendance figures in both Melbourne and Abu Dhabi.

Steve Johnson puts Alex Eala ahead of Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka as tennis’ biggest draw

Sam Querrey brought up the question on the Nothing Major show, asking: “Is she [Eala] the biggest draw in women’s tennis right now in the world?”

Steve Johnson, another American former tennis star, replied: “Yes.”

Querrey added a follow-up question: “Is she bigger than Sabalenka, is she bigger than Coco?

Johnson again replied: “Yes. Dude, it’s crazy. She’s having the same effect that Fonseca was having on the men’s side last year in Miami, Australia – the court was standing room only.

“Then Dubai [had] standing room only. It’s insane, like it’s massive the crowds she’s getting, like all over the world, are insane.

Querrey continued the discussion, adding: “It’s like people are pouring on. It’s like the news is just getting bigger and bigger.

“Whatever tournament she’s in. I’m assuming it’s the Filipino community from wherever they are in that part of the world have to see her.

Eala moves into top 30 for first time after Dubai run

Eala is expected to become a regular seeded player moving forward after climbing to a career-high ranking of 28 following her run to round four of Dubai.

This may allow her to avoid top-ranked players until later rounds and further increase her chances of deeper tournament runs.

Read more: