Eala embracing opportunities to grow

Filipino tennis star Alex Eala is embracing every opportunity to learn as she continues to develop her game and grow as a player.

Eala, 21, expressed excitement over the improvements she has seen since her last visit to China, saying the changes have made the experience more encouraging.

The world No. 20 was facing world No. 32 Diane Parry of France in the Round of 32 of the Ningbo Open women’s singles event at press time with the goal of making a strong run that will bury her bitter setbacks in her past three international tournaments.

“I am super excited. I think things have changed quite a bit since I was here last time, for the better. And yeah, I’m really excited!” Eala said.

Eala is drawing motivation from her recent setbacks, including first-round exits at the Singapore Open and Wuhan Open, as she looks to improve in the remaining tournaments of her Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour campaign.

“Well, I think it adds to the motivation, for sure. And, you know, it’s a learning process. It’s a learning process,” Eala said.

“I’m thankfully experiencing so many new things, so as I experience, of course I learn and try to be a better player, try to be a better person, and yeah, like I said, take it step by step.”

Eala missed the China Open, a WTA 1000-level competition, to compete in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, where she settled for bronze medal in the women’s singles event.

She is scheduled to return to action at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on 26 October before competing in the Hong Kong Tennis Open on 2 November.

Eala also emphasized the importance of staying focused on her work, particularly on court, while learning to prioritize what matters most.

“I think when I’m able to focus on my work, especially on court, and that I’m able to compartmentalize and really prioritize what needs to be on top,” Eala said. IVAN SUING