Alex Eala unsure of SEA Games, Asian Games participation due to potential conflicts in schedules

While Alex Eala would like to be able to represent the country in the Southeast Asian Games this May and in the 2023 Asian Games in September, the 17-year-old Filipina tennis ace said she's not yet sure of her availability due to potential conflicts in schedules.

Eala saw action in the biennial meet last year for the first time and bagged three bronze medals in the process after finishing third in the mixed doubles event with partner Treat Huey; in the women's team alongside Shaira Rivera, Marian Capadocia, and Jenaila Rose Prulla; and in the women's singles.

But this upcoming edition of the SEA Games, which will take place from May 5 to 17 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, might coincide with the qualification period for the French Open, which Eala said is her main target after taking a short break from tennis.

"I would love to represent the Philippines again in the SEA Games, but from what I know it might interfere with the qualis of the French Open and the preparation prior," Eala said during her homecoming press conference on Tuesday in Taguig.

"I haven't yet sat down with my team and discussed whether that's something that's going to be included in the schedule."

Eala said she's also hoping to banner the Philippines in the Asian Games, which is scheduled for September 23 to October 8 in Hangzhou in China.

But Eala stressed she's also uncertain about her ability to participate in the Asiad, saying she will have to first consider her schedule for other tournaments lined up.

"I haven't completed in that yet and I've heard very good stories and very good experiences from other players but again, I will have to check if it collides with any of the other important tournaments that I plan to join this year," she said.

"But I'm super open to joining and representing the Philippines if it fits well to my schedule."

—JMB, GMA Integrated News