Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala’s playful response to marriage proposal in Dubai goes viral

Alexandra Eala has captured hearts both on and off the court during her remarkable run at the 2026 WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships — and one unexpected moment in particular is now making waves.

The Filipino tennis star’s fairytale run came to an end in the quarter-finals at the hands of World No. 4 Coco Gauff, who delivered a composed performance on a challenging night.

Unfazed by the passionate and partisan crowd, Gauff rose above the atmosphere to secure a comfortable 6-0, 6-2 inside 68 minutes.

Eala, who had been turning heads with her fearless shot-making and composure beyond her years, found herself at the centre of a charming off-court episode during her pre-quarters match against 2024 champion Jasmine Paolini.

As she acknowledged the crowd, a fan held up a bold sign that read “’Alex marry my son please," drawing laughter from nearby fans.

Eala noticed the message and responded with a playful shake of the head and a wide smile, clearly amused by the unexpected gesture. The crowd erupted in cheers, appreciating both her humour and her grace in handling the moment.

The brief exchange highlighted her growing popularity on the international stage. Dubai’s diverse and passionate audience has embraced her fighting spirit during her run at the tournament, and moments like these reflect the strong connection she is building with fans around the world.

For Eala, it was another reminder that success brings attention — sometimes in surprising ways. But if her reaction was anything to go by, she is taking it all in stride, keeping her priorities clear and her ambitions set on climbing even higher in the sport.