THE Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) is hopeful that Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala will don the country’s colors in the coming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand this December.
However, her participation remains uncertain due to a jam-packed schedule on the global tennis circuit and a lingering shoulder injury.
Philta Executive Director Tonette Mendoza expressed optimism about Eala’s potential appearance, saying the 20-year-old star is eager to represent the Philippines if her calendar allows.
“She’s just trying to fit it into her schedule, but she seems very excited. We’re hoping she can make it. Let’s all pray she does,” Mendoza said in a recent interview.
Eala last competed in the SEA Games in 2021, where she brought home three bronze medals.
A return this year would allow her to improve on that haul and possibly secure her first gold for the Philippines in the biennial meet.
However, her participation is complicated by ongoing recovery from a shoulder injury that recently forced her to withdraw from the Cincinnati Open, the final WTA 1000 event before the US Open.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) confirmed the withdrawal on Thursday, with Mexico’s Renata Zarazua taking her place in the main draw.
The world No. 65 last saw action at the Omnium Banque Nationale in Montreal, where she battled valiantly before bowing out in three sets against 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova.
Despite the setback, Eala is expected to return later this month at the Monterrey Open as part of her preparation for her highly anticipated women’s singles’ debut at the US Open, which kicks off on August 24.
