There’s only a handful of milestones in Philippines sports that made the Filipinos stop, whatever they were doing, just to watch a game – let alone a tennis match that isn’t as popular as basketball, boxing or volleyball in the country.

But there was 19-year-old sensation Alex Eala.

Sure, she was not on the level of Manny Pacquiao or Caloy Yulo just yet in terms of popularity but for a good two and a half hours, Eala had the Filipinos, not specifically tennis fans, glued to their phones and screens, either watching or waiting for updates in her semifinals match in the Miami Open on Friday, March 28.

And the Filipinos were naturally all over the social media, fully understanding the gravity of Eala’s exploits for the pride of the nation.

“If Alexandra Eala becomes as big as it looks like she's set to do, the game of tennis is going to explode in the Philippines,” wrote one X (formerly Twitter) user, looking forward to Eala’s future after garnering global attention since she took down three Grand Slam winners – Jelena Ostapenko, world No. 5 Madison Keys and No. 2 Iga Swiatek on her way to the semifinals.

"Sobrang nakakaproud," said sports executive Mikee Romero who was even at the sidelines and watched Eala.

"You may not have made the finals, but you won the hearts of the world, Alex Eala! The whole nation is proud," wrote of Pacquiao.

"This is just the beginning. Keep fighting and inspiring. You’ve shown the heart of a true champion. Laban lang! The future is bright for you. Proud na proud kami sa’yo," he added.

Eala’s surprising success even had local tv networks streaming the match with more than 200,000 viewers watching all at the same time at one point.

“200K people simultaneously watching Alex Eala vs Pegula’s semifinals match on ABSCBN News and ANC,” a fan wrote.

Unfortunately, Eala’s fairytale run met its end after dropping a tight 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-3, loss to world No. 4 Jessica Pegula.

Despite the loss, Filipinos were celebrating Eala for what she has achieved.

“Congratulations, Alex! It was a great fight. Malayong malayo pa ang mararating mo sigurado,” wrote another X user.

“SO PROUD OF YOU STILL ALEX that big jump to 75 in the world ranking is insane and winning a set in the semis with the world’s no. 4 is already BIG. nilaban mo! the future is bright for you. Congratulations!,” another one added.

“Good tournament .. good fight. You definitely belong on that stage,” another posted.

Some are now even showing interest in tennis – a sport that was often overshadowed by the more mainstream sports here in the country.

”I’m not a fan of tennis but I’ll give it a shot because of Alex Eala,” one shared.

“Gurl, bigla ako nanood ng tennis dahil kay Alex Eala, last na nood ko ng tennis Prince of Tennis pa ata. Chz. Lavarn queen!’’ another playfully commented referring to a popular anime series about tennis.

The Philippines have Pacquiao in boxing, Yulo in gymnastics, Hidilyn Diaz in weightlifting – all had momentarily stopped the time for Filipinos. And sooner than later, Eala. The Filipinos had a glimpse of that just now.

“For tennis casuals, know that Alex Eala is on a generational run. In pro tennis, the greats all defeated seeded opponents during their teenage years. She is on the right track and I hope you still watch her future matches. We have a gem in pro tennis!,” one Filipino tennis fan pointed out.

Truly, the best is yet to come