Alex Eala looks to bounce back from a disappointing Australian Open campaign as she headlines the country’s inaugural WTA 125 event, the Philippine Women’s Open.
The 20-year-old Filipina, along with parents Mike and Rizza plus coach Joan Bosch, arrived in Manila on Wednesday evening after confirming her participation in the tournament, which runs from January 24 to 31 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
Welcoming her was PHILTA Secretary General John Rey Tiangco, who is also part of the organizing committee for the PWO.
Eala received a wild card entry, as her participation was contingent on her Australian Open performance.
“Yes, I will be playing next week. I’m looking forward to it, and I hope people can show up and support the Pinays,” Eala said.
“It’s a huge milestone in Philippine tennis, and I think it’s a big deal for all of us Filipina tennis players.”
In doubles, she and partner Ingrid Martins of Brazil lost to Japan’s Shuko Aoyama and Poland’s Magda Linette, 6–7(3), 6–2, 3–6, on Tuesday.
Immediately after her matches in Melbourne, Eala departed for Manila on Wednesday morning to prepare for her next challenge.
She will be joined by fellow Filipinas Steffi Aludo and Tennielle Madis, who are also competing in the tournament.
“It’s been a dream to have a home tournament,” Eala said.
“I’m so happy that it’s going to bring a lot of inspiration for the girls back home”.
The Philippine Women’s Open will feature a competitive field, including World No. 42 Tatjana Maria of Germany and No. 46 Wang Xinyu of China as the top seeds in the singles division.
Other notable entrants include No. 59 Janice Tjen of Indonesia, No. 63 Solana Sierra of Argentina, No. 72 Donna Vekic of Croatia, No. 76 Kimberly Birrell of Australia, and No. 84 Camila Osorio of Colombia.
Eala will be looking to turn her recent disappointment into motivation as she aims for glory on home soil.
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