‘Overall good week’ for Alex Eala despite QF exit in Philippine Women’s Open

Alexandra “Alex” Eala may have bowed out in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Women’s Open, but the Filipina tennis star still considered her home tournament a positive experience.

Eala suffered a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Colombia’s Camila Osorio on Thursday, ending a near week-long homecoming at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“I think it was an overall good week,” Eala said. “Of course, I’m disappointed about today. I definitely think I’ve had better days, but it’s just how it is. I have to accept it, and there’s always next week.”

The tournament marked Eala’s first professional competition in Manila, drawing large crowds eager to witness world-class tennis on home soil. Fans packed the venue throughout the week, with capacity crowds showing strong support for the Filipina standout during her matches.

Eala’s run, however, came to an end against a tough Osorio, who posed a tough challenge in the quarterfinals.

“Of course, there were certain aspects of my game that just didn’t show up today,” Eala said. “I think there were certain things I could have done better, but it doesn’t have to be a big deal. I think I have some good things to take away as well from this week in general.

“We take it in our stride and move on. I just do my best to learn from what I can from this match.”

Eala now shifts her focus to the Middle East, where she is set to compete in the Abu Dhabi Open, scheduled to begin on February 1.

—GMA Integrated News