LATEST NEWS: Alexandra Eala’s mother, Rizza Maniego-Eala, has explained the reason behind her ANGER during the ASB Classic semi-final in Auckland, New Zealand, amid viral photos circulating online that captured her FURIOUSLY exploding and engaging in a heated argument.
“I never thought I would have to endure being treated like this…” The full dramatic details are revealed in the comments section!
The women’s semi-final at the 2026 ASB Classic was supposed to be remembered purely for the tennis.
Instead, it has become one of the most talked-about moments of the tournament after viral images showed Alexandra Eala’s mother, Rizza Maniego-Eala, visibly furious in the stands, appearing to argue heatedly with officials and spectators. As the photos spread rapidly across social media, speculation exploded — until now.
Speaking out for the first time since the incident, Rizza Maniego-Eala has offered a raw, emotional explanation that sheds new light on what truly happened courtside in Auckland.
Her words reveal not just a moment of anger, but a buildup of tension, stress, and what she describes as “deeply disrespectful treatment” during one of the most important matches of her daughter’s young career.
According to Rizza, the confrontation did not erupt suddenly. It was the result of repeated issues throughout the match, including seating confusion, restricted access, and what she claims was aggressive behaviour from nearby spectators.
“I never thought I would have to endure being treated like this at a professional tournament,” she said. “I was there as a mother, quietly supporting my child, not to cause trouble or draw attention.”
The semi-final itself was emotionally charged. Alexandra Eala, still only in her early twenties, was playing one of the biggest matches of her life, with a place in the final on the line. Rizza admitted that her emotions were already running high.
“When you watch your daughter fight for every point, every game, you feel everything she feels — the pressure, the pain, the hope,” she explained. “I tried to stay calm, but what happened around me pushed me over the edge.”
She alleges that midway through the match, she was confronted by tournament staff over her reactions, despite believing she had not broken any rules. “I was told to ‘control myself’ while others around me were shouting far worse things,” Rizza claimed.
“It felt targeted, unfair, and humiliating.” That moment, she says, triggered the outburst captured in the now-viral photos.
Those images, showing Rizza standing, gesturing angrily and appearing to shout, quickly spread online, sparking fierce debate among tennis fans. Some criticised her behaviour, calling it inappropriate, while others defended her fiercely, arguing that parents are often unfairly judged for showing emotion in high-pressure environments.
Within hours, hashtags related to Alexandra Eala and the ASB Classic were trending across multiple platforms.
What many did not see, Rizza says, was what happened before and after the confrontation. She claims she was subjected to verbal taunts from nearby spectators who allegedly made personal remarks about her and her daughter. “It wasn’t just about tennis anymore,” she said. “It became personal.
As a mother, there is a line you do not cross, and that line was crossed.”
Alexandra Eala herself has remained largely silent on the incident, choosing instead to focus on her performance and recovery after the tournament. However, sources close to the family say the episode deeply affected her during the match.
Despite fighting bravely on court, Eala ultimately fell short of reaching the final, a loss that now carries an added emotional weight given the controversy in the stands.
Tennis analysts have since weighed in, noting how parental presence can be both a source of strength and vulnerability for young athletes. “This situation highlights the intense scrutiny families face,” one former WTA player said. “Parents are expected to be invisible, yet they carry enormous emotional burdens.
When something goes wrong, they become easy targets.”
The ASB Classic organisers have not issued any disciplinary action but confirmed they are reviewing the incident. In a brief statement, they emphasised their commitment to maintaining a respectful environment for players, families, officials, and fans. They did not comment directly on Rizza Maniego-Eala’s claims.
For Rizza, the decision to speak out was not about justifying anger, but about reclaiming dignity. “I am not proud of losing my temper,” she admitted. “But I refuse to be painted as a villain without my side being heard.
I am a mother who felt cornered, disrespected, and powerless in that moment.”
She also expressed concern about the impact of online backlash on Alexandra. “My biggest fear is that this distracts from her hard work and her character,” Rizza said. “Alexandra is humble, respectful, and focused.
She deserves to be known for her tennis, not for photos taken of her mother at her worst moment.”
As the dust begins to settle, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about fan behaviour, tournament management, and the treatment of players’ families.
Many fans have called for clearer guidelines and better support to prevent similar situations in the future, especially as more young players enter the global spotlight with parents by their side.
In the end, the Auckland semi-final will be remembered not only for the scoreline, but for the human drama that unfolded beyond the baseline. Rizza Maniego-Eala’s emotional explanation adds depth and context to images that, on their own, told only part of the story.
Whether fans judge or empathise, one thing is clear: behind every rising star is a family living every point just as intensely — sometimes with consequences that spill far beyond the court.
