For a basketball-crazed nation like the Philippines, tennis has long been an afterthought, often overshadowed by the country's love for other sports.
But things changed when Alex Eala started to climb the world rankings and emerged as one of tennis's brightest young stars.
With stunning victories over some of the sport's biggest names, Eala thrust tennis into the national conversation, drawing unprecedented attention to the game. It echoed the frenzy of Manny Pacquiao 's prime, when the country seemed to come to a standstill every time he stepped into the ring.
Now it is Eala keeping Filipinos awake, sometimes into the early hours of the morning, as they watch her make history on the sport's biggest stages.
"She unifies Filipinos," Kuya Barong, a superfan known for wearing a traditional barong and salakot while waving the Philippine flag at sporting events, said in Filipino during a public watch party at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig for Eala's Wimbledon fourth-round match against Jasmine Paolini on Monday.
Fans from all walks of life packed one side of the arena, while hundreds more watched from chairs arranged on the playing floor.
Eala's match was shown immediately after the broadcast of Gilas Pilipinas' game against Australia's Boomers in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
The 21-year-old became the first Filipino in the Open Era to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon. It was only her second appearance at the Grand Slam after exiting in the opening round a year earlier.
Holding small Philippine flags handed out by organizers, the crowd erupted after every Eala point and applauded every rally.
Although she ultimately fell to Paolini, the crowd gave her a standing ovation in recognition of a historic campaign that included a stunning third-round upset of defending champion and world No. 3 Iga Swiatek last Saturday.
"I felt her win allowed us to believe in our sports heroes again, that we can win and dominate in a sport we haven't traditionally excelled in," Kuya Barong said, admitting he is still learning the rules of tennis and its scoring system.
"To be honest, tennis has never really been popular here, right? But because of Alex Eala, we're learning to appreciate a new sport. She's introduced us to something we can love just as much as she loves it.
Public watch parties also sprang up across Metro Manila, with sports bars filled with fans eager to watch Eala compete.
In some venues, her matches even drew more attention than simultaneous FIFA World Cup broadcasts.
Longtime tennis enthusiast Mark Ordoñez believes Eala's success marks the beginning of a new era for Philippine tennis, one that could inspire more young athletes to pick up a tennis racket and encourage the development of more tennis facilities across the country.
"Alex Eala has changed Philippine tennis forever by proving that our players can compete and win against the absolute best in the world," said Ordoñez, who regularly organizes community tennis tournaments in Manila.
"Her success on the global stage gives young kids on local courts a clear path to follow and real hope for the future.
"She has turned a distant dream into a real possibility, showing the next generation that they can start right here at home and make it all the way to the world stage. She is a true inspiration. She represents the very best of what Filipinos can be."
Eala has spoken about the unique support she receives from Filipinos around the world. After her landmark victory over Swiatek, she reflected on the connection she shares with her compatriots.
"I think we're just very proud of where we come from," Eala said.
"We have a really strong sense of community, and you can see it whenever someone succeeds.
"We're a community that uplifts each other. We're positive people, and when positive things happen to fellow Filipinos around the world, we share in that joy and happiness."
Eala's breakthrough also drew recognition from the country's highest office, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joined millions of Filipinos in celebrating the young tennis star's historic Wimbledon campaign.
For the president, Eala's achievements transcended sport, becoming a symbol of what Filipinos can accomplish on the global stage.
"This remarkable Wimbledon run may have come to an end. But after what you have accomplished, I believe the world has only begun to see what Filipinos are capable of," President Marcos wrote on social media.
"Thank you, Alex Eala, for proving that no dream is beyond the reach of a Filipino who dares to dream and works for it. The whole nation is proud of you. You will always be our champion!"