MANILA, Philippines — Filipino tennis fans can breathe easy as Alex Eala has reassured them of her fitness ahead of the crucial Round of 16 in the WTA125 Philippine Women’s Open. After a scare from a right leg injury during her opening match against Russia’s Alina Charaeva on Monday, Eala is determined and ready to compete.
Eala showcased her resilience by managing discomfort during her 6-1, 6-2 victory over Charaeva at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, handling the situation with poise. “There was a bit of discomfort but it’s nothing serious. Physical pain is part of an athlete’s lifestyle,” she stated. Eala had taken a brief medical timeout while trailing in the second set but returned rejuvenated, clinching the match with a flurry of powerful plays that included four consecutive games to finish strong in just 76 minutes.
Tonight, Eala is set to face either No. 140 Himeno Sakatsume or No. 204 Nao Hibino from Japan, vying for a spot in the quarterfinals at 7 p.m.
In other tennis news, the Australian Open has seen some contrasting performances. Elina Svitolina of Ukraine dominated Coco Gauff in a swift match, while Alexander Zverev made waves by advancing to the semifinals. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka also showcased her form, decisively defeating Iva Jovic under the sweltering Melbourne heat.
Eala’s determination is a testament to her commitment as she navigates the pressures of competitive sports, and her fans are hopeful for another electrifying performance tonight.