MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) wants the country’s top tennis player and world No. 65 Alex Eala to banner the national team at the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand slated from December 9 to 20.
PHILTA executive director Tonette Mendoza made this known at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum on Tuesday.
“We’re hoping she could play for the Philippines. Let’s all pray she does,” said Mendoza.
Eala, 20, potentially participating in her second SEA Games stint after the Hanoi edition back in 2022 all boils down to how she is going to insert it in her already-packed schedule.
Her desire to suit up for the Philippines in the biennial meet is there, though, said Mendoza.
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“She’s just trying to fit it to her schedule but she seems very excited so we really hope she could fit it all in,” said Mendoza of Eala, who claimed three bronzes at the Hanoi Games, one each in singles, mixed doubles, and team events.
Eala also represented the Philippines at the Asian Games in Hangzhou China back in 2023, when she bagged two bronzes – one each in singles and mixed doubles.
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After a historic semis-deep run at the Miami Open last March, Eala cracked the top 100 of the WTA rankings and went as high as 56th.
That gave her direct entry to top-tier tournaments including the majors Roland Garros last June and the Wimbledon this July.
Eala, the first Filipina to have played in a WTA final (Eastbourne Open) and the Wimbledon, last saw action at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Canada.
The lefty netter made a quick exit after falling to 2023 Wimbledon champ Marketa Vondrousova of Czech Republic, 6-3, 1-6, 2-6, in the round of 128 last Monday.
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Eala continues her preparation for the US Open in New York slated from August 24 to September 7, as she will compete at the Cincinnati Open that will run from August 7 to 18 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.
