Eala faces hectic schedule

Alex Eala left the Philippines last Monday to begin her North American hard-court campaign.

The 21-year-old departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 after a one-week break following her historic Wimbledon Championships campaign, where she became the first Filipino to reach the Round of 16 in the women's singles.

Philippine Tennis Association secretary general John Rey Tiangco escorted Eala to the airport as she embarks on another demanding stretch on the WTA Tour.

Eala maximized her brief stay in the country by spending time with fans and receiving a Presidential citation during a visit to Malacañang Palace.

Now ranked No. 29 in the Women's Tennis Association rankings, Eala has a busy schedule leading up to the US Open on 23 August in New York City.

She will first compete in the Washington Open from 25 July to 2 August at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center before heading to the Canadian Open from 1 to 13 August. She will then play in the Cincinnati Open in Ohio from 13 to 23 August.

Should she remain inside the top 32, Eala is in line to earn seeded status in major tournaments and could also receive a first-round bye in select events.

Beyond the WTA Tour, Eala is also looking forward to representing the Philippines in the 29th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan from 19 September to 4 October.

"I think it's different when you play in the Asian Games. The (Southeast Asian) SEA Games last year was an incredible experience for me. I had so much fun, so I'm super motivated and I'm going to give my best," Eala said.

"It brings a different vibe than when I compete in the WTA Tour. I always enjoy it when I have Pinoy teammates."