Alex Eala remains grateful despite PH Women’s Open exit

MANILA, Philippines – Alex Eala fell flat in her bid to rule the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open, but she exits the tournament somehow gratified knowing she has brought the sport she loves most closer to Filipinos.

Eala opted to look at the bright side after a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Colombia’s Camila Osorio in the quarterfinals of the country’s first-ever hosting of a WTA 125 event at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center on Thursday, January 29.

“I didn’t pass this level today, but what’s important is I’m here in Manila, I’m here in the Philippines, and I’m thankful that the WTA is here,” said Eala after the match packed with her supportive compatriots.

“Enjoy the rest of the week, and I really hope that you guys get inspired and learn to love tennis, and I hope it grows here.”

The world No. 49 Filipina led 3-2 in both the first and second sets but lost the upper hand on both occasions as Osorio lived up to her billing as the more accomplished player, having won three WTA Tour titles. 

Osorio, who is ranked 84th in the world, broke Eala to move on the cusp of victory at 5-4, then held serve in the final game as the Filipina sealed her fate with a return that went straight to the net.

Still, Eala expressed her gratitude for being able to play at home as a professional, treating sold-out crowds to a pair of wins over Russia’s Alina Charaeva and Japan’s Himeno Sakatsume in the first two rounds. 

“I love tennis so much, and I’m so lucky that I’m able to share this experience and this journey with all of you,” said Eala.

Eala will turn her focus on a bigger WTA 500 event as she flies to the United Arab Emirates to compete in the Abu Dhabi Open beginning on Sunday, February 1. – Rappler.com