Ever humble in victory, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala lauded the conditioning of Japanese foe and former tormentor Himeno Sakatsume, whom she ousted in the Round of 16 of the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open on Wednesday night at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Stadium.

Eala now braces for a quarter-final collision against Colombian ace Camila Osorio– an opponent she described as “very experienced” and “very good.”

On the heels of clinching a seat in the PWO quarters, the world No. 49 chalked up her Wednesday victory to an arsenal upgrade, needing only two sets (6-4, 6-0) en route to a redemption win against the Japanese netter that beat her at the WTA 250 Kinoshita Group Japan Open way back in 2023.

“It’s been almost three years since I last played her (Sakatsume). She is a very physical player. She is super fit– great fitness– and quick on the court,” Eala told members of the press after their one-hour-and-21-minute duel.

But the young tennis ace, who’s made significant and historic strides as of late by barging into the WTA Top 50, showed up with more tricks up her sleeve in their PWO showdown. 

“I think I've developed a lot as a player since the last time we last faced each other. I think I have a couple more weapons now, just the overall performance today was pretty good,” reflected Eala. 

According to the 20-year-old phenom, staying in the moment and taking it “point by point” propelled her to victory.

“Just staying calm was a big part of it, not panicking… was a big key in pulling through that game. Just staying calm and focused is what I did,” she shared. 

As for her quarterfinals opponent– 24-year-old Colombia pride Camila Osorio (WTA No. 84)– Eala is just as excited as she is aware of the greater challenge that comes with a deeper tournament run.

“The next match is definitely gonna be difficult. She (Osorio) is a very experienced and very good player, skilled. Off the court, she’s such a sweet person so I think it's going to be a battle like every match. Excited also,” she said in brief when asked for comments on Osorio, currently ranked No. 84 in the WTA rankings. 

Eala faces Osorio in the quarter-final round of the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open later today at 7:00 p.m. at the Center Court of the Rizal Memorial Center.