MANILA, Philippines – Filipina tennis star Alex Eala said the “real work starts now,” knowing that her magical run in the Miami Open will bring forth not just new opportunities and but also challenges.
Eala became the first Filipino to reach the semifinals of a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 1000 event after toppling Grand Slam champions Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys, and Jelena Ostapenko.
“I recognize that these two weeks have opened the door to so many opportunities for me, but along with those opportunities come a whole new set of obstacles I will have to navigate through,” Eala wrote on her social media accounts.
“The real work starts now.”
Eala captured the heart of the nation as she pulled off one upset after the other, stunning world No. 25 Ostapenko in the round of 64, No. 5 Keys in the round of 32, and then No. 2 Swiatek in the quarterfinals.
Filipino fans either stayed up late or woke up early to watch the 19-year-old, who did not disappoint as she beat all 3 major winners without dropping a set.
Although her campaign ended at the hands of world No. 4 Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, Eala said she leaves Miami beaming with “pride and gratitude.”
“I’m proud of myself for pushing through those tough moments, as well as to have been able to make a statement for the Philippines in one of the biggest stages of tennis,” said Eala.
“Moreover, I’m thankful for all the positivity coming my way, and I pray that you all continue sending support through the highs and lows.”
Ranked No. 140 in the world, Eala can now gain direct entry to the Grand Slam tournaments as she is poised to climb to a career-high No. 75 when the WTA releases its new rankings on Monday, March 31. – Rappler.com