MANILA – Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala is doubtful to represent the country in the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia and Asian Games in China this year.
According to Eala, she had wanted to play for Team Philippines in the SEA Games but it will run conflict with her French Open qualification round schedule.
“I have yet to discuss (SEA Games participation) with my team as it might be a conflict with the French Open qualifiers,” Eala said in a press conference at The Globe Tower on Tuesday.
Eala participated in last year’s SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam where she captured three bronze medals in women’s singles, doubles and team events.
The 17-year-old Eala also refused to commit to the upcoming Asian Games but said she is very interested as she has never joined in the said tournament before.
“I will be very happy to compete (in Asian Games) as I have never done that before. Also I have heard very good stories from other players about the Asian Games,” she added.
Eala is currently in a short vacation in the country following her recent World Tennis Association Thailand Open campaign, where she was defeated by experienced Tatjana Maria of Germany in the main draw.
According to Eala, even if she is beginning to transition to the seniors tournament, she is not closing her doors on participating in juniors competition yet.
“I am still planning to compete in more juniors grand slams and elite tournaments this year if there’s an opportunity for me to improve,” said Eala.
The 5-foot-9 Eala had success in juniors tournament the past few years with golden finishes in Australian Open and French Open doubles and in Australian Open singles last year./PN
