Eala determined to win SEAG gold

The Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) swears Alex Eala isn’t focused on just getting payback over Janice Tjen of Indonesia when they clash in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand.

PHILTA secretary general and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco told DAILY TRIBUNE the 20-year-old Eala is determined to win her first SEA Games gold medal and not taking revenge over Tjen, who defeated her twice this year.

Radio Republik Indonesia reported last Wednesday that the 23-year-old Tjen will compete in the women’s singles, doubles and team events of the biennial meet.

“There are more players apart from the Indonesian (Tjen). Alex is not looking at specific opponents and she just wants to win every point,” Tiangco said.

“It is a different feeling when you’re playing for the country and she’s a proud Filipino athlete.”

Tiangco said Eala’s spectacular season will be a huge advantage for the Philippines as it looks to end a 26-year gold drought in the women’s singles.

The Rafael Nadal Academy product’s year was highlighted by her reaching the Miami Open semifinal round last March and saw her beat a bevy of top ten players.

“Her experience this year will be a big asset. She played in big tournaments and Grand Slams so I’m sure she’s improving,” Tiangco said.

Both Eala and Tjen will be favorites to win the SEA Games gold medal as they are the highest-ranked Women’s Tennis Association players at No. 50 and No. 53, respectively.

Tjen defeated Eala, 4-6, 1-6, in the quarterfinal of the Sao Paulo Open in Brazil last September.

Despite teaming up with Nadiia Kichenok of Ukraine in the Guangzhou Open last October, she lost to Tjen and Katarzyna Piter of Poland, 7-6, 3-6, 5-10 in the doubles semifinals.