Philippine tennis sensation Alex Eala returns to action in Japan after a weeks-long break in Manila.
Alex Eala is plunging back to action in the W100 Takasaki in Japan after spending a few weeks back home in Manila, chasing a strong end to her 2024 season as she enters the final stretch of tournaments for the year.
Eala, 19, is seeded 4th in the hard-surface tournament where she seeks her sixth ITF singles title overall.
The Rafa Nadal Academy graduate recently spoke to Philippine media when she attended a UAAP game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where she talked about her achievements in the 2024 season so far.
“My season isn't done (yet). So far, I think I'm really happy, I would not say satisfied but I'm still happy with what I'm able to achieve this year. One of my goals is to play in all the Grand Slams and I achieved that,” she said, drawing near to the main draw of the Grand Slams multiple times this year.
“I'm really proud of myself, especially at the start of the year, I think I hobbled a bit and lost my way but then really made it up in the second quarter,” she added.
Before taking her break in Manila, Eala played a series of WTA tournaments in China where she gained valuable experience against higher-ranked opponents, like Czech hitter Marie Bouzkova. Getting to rub shoulders with more seasoned players early in her career has been pivotal for the development of Eala.
“I think playing against these big name athletes is really going to help my development and my progress and also the athletes I'm going to compete with if I want to go where I actually want to go,” said Eala.
“I think the past few matches against some big names have been really good. I'm taking it step by step but I can't rush myself and pressure myself to doing anything.”
Though Eala acknowledged the expectations on her shoulders, especially as a rising star in Philippine tennis, she's also practicing patience with herself as she has also yet to reach the peak of her career.
“I think one of the biggest takeaways is not to rush and not to feel pressured. Sometimes I think that after a loss, I think 'I'm working so hard so why am I not seeing the results that I want. But I have to remember that everyone else is working the same amount if not more,” said the 19-year-old.
“That also pushes me to work harder. Although rest is super important in the journey, you still have to find your next (step) and try to push,” she continued.
Still, Eala will be looking to make a deep run in Japan after being rejuvenated in Manila. Hostilities begin at the Shimizu Zenzo Memorial Tennis Courts on Monday, November 18.
From there, she is expected to compete again in China and then in Dubai.