SINGAPORE — Alex Eala flew out with a grateful heart despite a shock exit in the Singapore Open on Thursday at the OCBC Arena here.

The 21-year-old Filipina sensation expressed gratitude for the love and support given by Filipino fans who trooped to the Lion City to watch her play against the best players in the world in this prestigious Women’s Tennis Association (WTA)-rated 500 tournament.

Unfortunately, Eala had a disappointing finish, falling prey to unseeded Russian Tatiana Prozorova in the Round of 32 of the women’s singles event, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6.

Still, Eala stressed that playing before Southeast Asian fans, most of them Filipinos, was something special despite failing to get the result that she wanted.

“I definitely would have wanted to go further. Like every tournament, I want to go far. But I think being in Southeast Asia is an extra special feeling, feeling the support not just from the Philippines, but from other places as well,” said Eala, who has been competing here since she was campaigning in the junior ranks.

In fact, she was even honored with a Li Na Inspiration Award when she participated in the WTA Future Stars as a junior player in 2016.

“I think I’ve been coming here ever since I was young and it was truly special. So to be back here as a top-level player and seed, and being able to experience all the love and support, is a really nice experience to have.”

Eala leaves SG with gratitude