Alex Eala relishes memorable Middle East swing: ‘What a privilege to do what you love, with love’

Alexandra "Alex" Eala relished her Middle East swing, calling the past few weeks a memorable stretch.

In a social media post on Friday, just hours after her exit from the Dubai Tennis Championships, Eala wrote: “Three weeks of fighting with love and pride has come to an end here in Dubai.

“The competition, the atmosphere, the hospitality, and the full-blown support have made these weeks ones I’ll never forget. Thank you.”

Quoting Filipina-American player Sabrina Santamaria, she added: “It’s a privilege to play in front of people who see themselves in you.”

“I couldn’t agree more. What a privilege it is to do what you love, with love,” she said.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Alexandra Eala (@alex.eala)

Eala bowed out in the quarterfinals after a 6-0, 6-2 loss to Coco Gauff, capping her Middle East campaign.

Following the Philippine Women’s Open, Eala traveled to the United Arab Emirates for the Abu Dhabi Open, where she also reached the quarterfinals. She then competed in the Qatar Open but exited early after falling to Tereza Valentova in the Round of 64.

Eala’s matches drew sizable crowds across the Middle East, with Gauff even praising the Filipina standout for bringing new audiences to the sport.

Eala will head to the United States for her Sunshine Swing where she will play in the Indian Wells Open and the Miami Open.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News