Alexandra Eala Surrounded by Security Guards at US Open After Learning From ‘Dangerous’ Incident

Alongside fellow stars like Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka, Alexandra Eala has arrived in New York ahead of the US Open. The Filipina’s presence at the tournament has already caused a stir, prompting security measures as she seeks to avoid another potentially dangerous situation.

Alexandra Eala Greets Cheering Fans at the US Open Amid Security Measures

Building on a historic run to the fourth round at Wimbledon, Eala made a stellar start to her North American hardcourt swing by clinching her maiden tour-level title at the Mubadala DC Open.

After a fourth-round exit at the Canadian Open and a loss in the third round of the Cincinnati Open, the 21-year-old turned her attention to gearing up for her highly anticipated campaign at the US Open.

Eala’s arrival at the tournament grounds generated plenty of excitement, with her immense popularity drawing crowds of fans eager to catch a glimpse of her. As she made her way around the grounds, the Filipina was surrounded by security guards, but she graciously expressed her gratitude for the support.

The 21-year-old also geared up for her campaign at Arthur Ashe Stadium, practicing with Grigor Dimitrov.

Eala’s decision to be accompanied by security does not come as a surprise, since she has spoken about learning a valuable lesson from a concerning incident at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

During an appearance on “The Player’s Box” podcast in April, the Filipina opened up about being swarmed by fans after leaving a training session, an experience that made her realize the need for security.

“In Australia at the NTC, I trained outside and I trained on one of the courts, and I did not have security, which next time I will probably make sure they’re there. But after training, it was full. I came in and it was full, and I went out of the court and the traffic of people was coming because they wanted me to sign. I couldn’t move, right?” Eala said.

Eala revealed that the situation grew dangerous as the enthusiastic crowd pushed her against a wall.

“And there was a wall back here, and if the traffic of people was coming and they couldn’t see what was happening over there, they were all just pushing. They were all kind of pushing you against the wall. And I was getting closer and closer to the wall. I was like, ‘Oh, that’s kind of dangerous,’” she added.

MORE: Kim Clijsters Gives Verdict on Alexandra Eala and Jessica Pegula’s Grand Slam Chances

Ahead of her singles campaign at the US Open, Alexandra Eala will treat her fans to a blockbuster mixed doubles partnership with Felix Auger-Aliassime. The event, scheduled for August 25–26, will also feature Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, and Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz, among others.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.