By Nikole Javier
Alex Eala has her sights on joining the tougher Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour after her historic US Open juniors’ singles title in New York last Sunday, Sept 11.
Eala knows it won’t be easy, saying the road would be bumpy – littered with all kinds of challenges.
But she’ll be ready for it as she vowed to work harder in trainings to achieve better results and fulfill some of her little dreams – including competing in women’s Grand Slam events and playing for the country in next year’s SEA Games.
“Hopefully, if I do well. But now, I’m just really working hard. And seeing how far I can go in the women’s rankings,” said Eala during a virtual press conference organized by Globe — one of her avid backers.
The next couple of months would be crucial in her bid to see action in a Grand Slam event.
For now, she’s putting more emphasis in qualifying to the WTA Tour which will serve as her launching pad for the glamorous Grand Slam events and if given another chance to play for PH colors in the SEA Games which Cambodia will be hosting in May next year.
“There hasn’t been any talk yet of (me joining) SEA Games so far. But I would definitely be open to joining the SEA Games again. I think that I have good chances of getting better results, but of course, my schedule is very flexible. It goes on a week-to-week basis. Well, I have to see. But no one’s reached out yet,” added Eala.
With three juniors Grand Slam titles – two of which were the doubles events – neatly tucked under her, the 17-year-old Eala is convinced she has what it takes to produce better results.
With developments made and more improvements to deliver, Eala is working on becoming a complete player which in her playbook includes technical, physical, and tactical growth.
“It’s still not where I want it to be definitely. I think there’s a lot more room for improvement. But I’m already super proud of how far it’s come,” Eala said.
With the kind of mind-set, the country’s sports princess is on her way to becoming a tennis queen of Asia in the near future.
