By MARK REY MONTEJO
The last time Alex Eala suited up for the Philippines in the Southeast Asian Games was during the Covid-delayed 2022 edition Hanoi, Vietnam.
At 16, Eala did well as she won three bronze medals – singles, mixed doubles, and team. Even in the Hangzhou Asian Games in China, Eala made heads turn after winning two bronze medals.
After what she did the past few months, many – the Philippine Tennis Association – are now praying that her schedule would not run in conflict with the regional
event so the Filipina ace could lead the PH team anew in the Thailand SEA Games.
Philta Executive Director Tonette Mendoza is looking forward to have Eala at the forefront of the country’s campaign, especially, knowing the latter is excited to represent the Philippines in December’s regional showpiece.
“She’s just trying to fit into her schedule, but she seems very excited,” said Mendoza in Tuesday’s PSA Forum which was presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app Arena Plus.
“So we really hope she can fit it in, because, as you know she is now in the Top 60, so she’s really trying to change her program considerably from when she first made her plan in January, so in December it’s already preparation for the Australian Open,” she added.
Indeed, time will be the enemy for Eala as the Australian Open usually begins in January to kickstart each Grand Slam season per year.
“So we’re really hoping she can play for the Philippines, so let’s all pray that she does,” Mendoza stressed.
The last time that the Philippines won a gold in women’s singles event was in the 1999 Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei SEAG where Maricris Fernandez-Gentz reigned.
Evangelina Olivarez and Francesca Maria La’o, meanwhile, delivered the last doubles gold in the 1993 Singapore iteration.
While silver was the highest finish for the Filipina netters in the team event courtesy of superb performances from quartet of player-turned-coach Denise Dy, Khim Iglupas, Katharina Lehnert, and Anna Clarice Patrimonio in the 2015 Singapore — the same edition that Dy and Treat Huey copped the last gold-medal triumph of the Philippines in mixed doubles.
Currently, the 20-year-old lefty, continues to gear up for her main draw debut in the U.S. Open by joining three WTA1000 competitions – Cincinnati, Monterrey, and the ongoing National Bank, where she bowed to Czech Marketa Vondrousova in the first round.
