Overview
- Reports said a $42 black NikeCourt “Alex Eala” T-shirt sold out quickly after Eala posted about it on Instagram, with multiple outlets noting the rapid rush for the item.
- Nike’s U.S. product page showed the shirt available again later on the same day, indicating inventory returned or a likely restock rather than a permanent sellout.
- Nike also released Eala’s royal-blue, basketball‑inspired NikeCourt Slam dress for the 2026 US Open, which has remained listed on Nike’s site at a $140 price point.
- Fans and outlets praised the demand but criticized the T-shirt’s simple design and questioned why Nike did not use more distinctive Filipino motifs such as the sampaguita seen in earlier custom pieces.
- Eala’s on-court breakout this summer, capped by a Washington Open title and a move into the WTA top 20, has driven ticket and sponsor interest and is now producing measurable merchandise traction that could prompt further product runs and brand activations.