Following her Round of 32 victory over former world No. 23 Katie Boulter, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala said she is very happy with the win and level of tennis displayed.
“I’m really happy to advance to the next round. Obviously, it’s not in the way I wanted it to end,” said Eala, who led 6-4, 2-1 when Boulter retired. “Nevertheless, I think that I displayed a really high level of tennis, and I think that Katie did as well. And I just hope that she’s able to recover now.”
Eala credited her aggressive mindset and solid starts for her composed performance.
“I like to be aggressive. I do my best with starting the points well, but it really depends on every day, you know. I’m just trying to make myself better with each practice and each serve,” she said.
When asked about how she handled Boulter’s strong service game, Eala remained unfazed. “She is a big server, but it’s nothing I haven’t faced before. A lot of girls serve big, and at some point, you just have to find a way.”
The 20-year-old also drew energy from the Filipino-dominated crowd at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium, calling it a “special” experience.
“I feel so at home, and I feel so much love. I really enjoy playing here,” Eala said. “This is my first time playing here as a professional. I remember I used to play here as a 12-year-old and just enjoying. It’s such a full-circle moment to be here again. So many things have changed since then, but my love for tennis has remained, and how much fun I have on court is still the same.”
Her coach from the Rafa Nadal Academy, Sandro Viaene, praised her composure and mindset throughout the match.
“Well, the aggressivity she had,” he said when asked what he was most proud of. “And the attitude she had during the match. The crowd was with her, big expectations. So, it’s not easy. She managed super well.”
Viaene highlighted Eala’s returning game as one of her key weapons. “Alex is one of the best receivers in the world for me. So, she has to take advantage of that.”
Looking ahead, he shared that Eala will have a light practice before her next challenge.
Eala’s next match is in the Round of 16 against third seed and World No. 21 Victoria Mboko.
“Tomorrow (Wednesday) we will practice a bit. Just an hour. Easy session," Viaene said. "And then for Mboko, it’s a very good match. And we are excited to play against her. So it will be a great match.”
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