The stage is set: Eala now in Manila; Vekic arrival confirmed

Paris Olympics silver medalist Donna Vekic is confirmed to see action, setting the stage for her mouthwatering rematch with Alex Eala in the Philippine Women’s Open (PWO) that opens on Monday at the newly-refurbished Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (Philta) executive director Tonette Mendoza said the 29-year-old Croatian as well as world No. 42 Tatjana Maria of Germany had already reached out, formally informing them that they will compete in the prestigious international event that offers 125 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) ranking points to the champion.

Vekic and Maria’s confirmation came on the heels of their early exits in the Australian Open.

The world No. 72 bowed to rising star Mirra Andreeva of Russia, 6-4, 2-6, 0-6, while Maria surrendered to Petra Marcinko of Croatia, 3-6, 5-7, in the opening round of the season-opening Grand Slam event in Melbourne.

Aside from Vekic and Maria, other heavyweights who are expected to confirm their arrival after bombing out in the opening round of the Australian Open are No. 46 Solana Sierra of Argentina, No. 76 Kimberly Birrell of Australia, No. 84 Camila Osorio of Colombia, and No. 90 Lulu Sun of New Zealand.

Sierra fell to fellow PWO competitor Moyuka Uchijima of Japan, 3-6, 1-3; Birrell lost to compatriot Madison Inglis, 6-7, 7-6, 4-6; Osorio surrendered to Ann Li of the United States, 4-6, 7-6, 5-7; and Sun was sent packing by Linda Fruhvirtova of Czech Republic, 3-6, 5-7.

“Yes, Vekic and Maria are already confirmed,” Mendoza told DAILY TRIBUNE in a short message.

On the other hand, the run of world No. 46 Wang Xinyu of China continue after shining in the first two rounds in Melbourne, breezing past Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine, 6-3, 6-3 before shocking world No. 24 Jelena Ostapenko of Poland in the second round, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Mendoza said they will make an announcement as soon as the flight details of these prized netters have been confirmed.

But Vekic is expected to have a tough time in the inaugural staging of this event organized by Philta and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Waiting for her in Manila is hometown bet Eala, who arrived late Wednesday after losing to Alycia Parks of the United States, 6-0, 3-6, 2-6, in the opening round of the Melbourne tourney.

In their previous match in the finale of the Kooyong Classic, Vekic admitted that facing Eala isn’t easy due to the massive crowd supporting her, making their looming collision in Manila extremely difficult.

“Every time I play against Alex, I feel like we’re playing in the center of the Philippines, so I don’t know, there are so many of you guys out there,” Vekic quipped after absorbing a 3-6, 4-6 loss to the Filipina in the warm-up event, a win that proved that Eala’s victory over her in the Round of 32 of the ASB Classic in Auckland was no fluke.

“I think it was still a good match. Congrats to Alex, she played really well. Eventually, I’ll get you.”

Upon arrival at the Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Eala declared readiness to compete, not just to win the title at home, but also to serve as inspiration to young tennis players who are looking up to her.

“Yes, I’m playing next week. I’m looking forward to it and I hope people can show up and support the Pinays,” said Eala, who will banner the country in the PWO together with rising star Tennielle Madis and collegiate standout Kaye Emanas of University of Santo Tomas.

“It’s a huge milestone for Philippine tennis and I think it’s a big deal for all of us, Filipina tennis players.”

Eala, who is expected to crack into the top 45 in the WTA ranking by the time the PWO makes its opening serve, added that she is glad to compete at home to inspire young girls who are dreaming of making it big someday.

“It’s been a dream to have a home tournament,” added Eala, who flew in with his parents, Mike and Riza, and coach, Joan Bosch of Rafael Nadal Academy.

“So I’m happy that it’s going to bring a lot of inspiration for the girls back home.”