Eala can’t wait to play at home

Alex Eala couldn’t wait to see the Philippines host the Philippine Women’s Open early next year.

The 20-year-old Eala said having a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament in the Philippines would help elevate the sport in the country.

Eala recenty finished her season after her 6-3, 3-6, 4-6 loss to Victoria Mboko of Canada in the Round of 16 of the Hong Kong Tennis Open last Thursday.

“If it were to happen, I would be so happy and it’s just such a milestone for Philippine tennis. Not just obviously for me, but for everybody there because growing up we never had these kinds of tournaments. As long as I can remember,” said Eala, who is currently No. 51 in the world rankings.

“We didn’t even have a 15K in professional international tournaments. So to come in with a WTA 125 is such a big step and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come and you know it’s only the start.”

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said they are doing everything they can to make sure that the tennis courts at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex will be up to standard when the event starts on 26 January.

“We can do it since it will be held in January. We are fast-tracking renovations,” Gregorio said.

“We want Alex Eala to play here.”

It will be Eala’s first home tournament since becoming a professional tennis player in 2020.