Hong Kong Open chief salutes Eala
ALEX Eala’s popularity and on-court brilliance make her one of the most exciting young players in the Women’s Tennis Association.
Photograph courtesy of ALEX EALA/IG
Former world No. 77 Claire Wood believes Alex Eala has a bright future ahead, describing her as a phenomenal addition to women’s tennis because of her growing popularity and all-around game.
Wood, co-tournament director of the Hong Kong Tennis Open, said she has witnessed firsthand how Eala draws crowds, recalling the Filipina’s matches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai earlier this year.
“Honestly, I think she’s phenomenal for women’s tennis. Just watching her career progress and watching the following she has,” Wood said.
“Earlier this year, I was in Abu Dhabi when she was playing. She sold out the stadium every night that she played. We went on to Dubai, which was a 1000. So, you’ve got all the top players there as well. But it was actually Alex that sold out the stadium when she was playing.”
Seeded second in Hong Kong, Eala settled for runner-up honors after absorbing a 3-6, 0-6 defeat to American Claire Liu in the final.
Despite missing out on her second Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour title, the 21-year-old earned Wood’s admiration for her movement, tenacity and fighting spirit.
“You don’t get to be (in the) top 20 in the world without having a really sound, technical, tactical, physical game. She ticks a lot of the boxes for me,” Wood said.
“People say, ‘oh, she can work on her serve.’ And, of course, she can. But you know, overall, I think regardless of your technique or tactics or whatever, it really comes down to the heart, the fight, the spirit.”
“I think she’s great for the game.”
Wood believes Eala can climb even higher in the rankings if she continues to improve her physical strength and conditioning while keeping herself injury-free.
“If she’s in the top 20 now and they keep working hard, keep working on her physical strength and conditioning, try and keep her injury-free. Honestly, I mean, the sky’s the limit for her. She’d be exciting,” Wood said.
“She’s got a whole exciting future ahead of her. And I’m going to be watching it with interest.”
Eala will take a break following a successful WTA Tour campaign before facing world No. 60 Janice Tjen of Indonesia in an exhibition match on 8 December at the Philippine Arena.
Meanwhile, Wood expressed satisfaction with the Hong Kong Open’s successful staging, with the tournament selling out six of its seven days.