Alex Eala takes issue with Madrid Open organisers after tough loss to Elise Mertens

Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images Alex Eala knocked out of Madrid Open amid scheduling complaints Alex Eala lost in straight sets to Elise Mertens, 2-6, 1-6, in the second round of the Madrid Open. The scoreline reflected a one-sided affair, with Eala unable to trouble her opponent in either set. It wasn’t just the result that left a bad taste, though.

She was handed a late-night timeslot for her first-round match – an unusual slot compared to the rest of the draw. She wrapped up her opening win over Sara Sorribes Tormo after midnight local time and was back on court against Mertens less than 24 hours later. Alex Eala wasn’t put on a big enough stage for her second-round match Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images Eala’s following goes far beyond the rankings.

She’s yet to win a major title or break into the top 20, but her matches are always well attended, and fans turn out in big numbers wherever she plays. Filipino supporters, in particular, travel far and wide to back her at events around the world. And that loyal backing hasn’t gone unnoticed.

In most tournaments, Eala is regularly scheduled on bigger courts than her ranking might suggest. The Madrid Open took a different approach for her match against Mertens. She opened the tournament on Arantxa Sanchez Stadium but was moved to Court 5 for round two, which noticeably limited the crowd size she’s used to drawing.