Philippines' Alexandra Eala reacts as she plays against Czech Republic's Barbora Krejcikova during their women's singles first round tennis match on the second day of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 1, 2025. Glyn Kirk, AFP/File
MANILA -- The Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) is hoping that Alex Eala can join the Philippine team in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand later this year.
PHILTA executive director Tonette Mendoza said they are hoping that the 20-year-old Eala may be able to squeeze within her tight schedule playing for the country in the SEA Games.
“She's just trying to fit it into her schedule, but she seems very excited,” said Mendoza.
The PHILTA official shared this during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Thursday.
Eala, who is currently ranked 65th by the WTA, will surely be a boost to the Philippine team come the biennial meet.
Meanwhile, inspired by Eala's exploits, Philippines Davis Cup team member Jed Olivarez said it's always been an honor to rep the national flag on the international stage.
Olivarez expressed optimism the Filipinos will continue to climb in the promotional ranking of the premier international team event in men’s tennis after being relegated in the lowest tier in Group V almost a year ago.
They will return to the court by 2026, hoping to carry the momentum of its Group III promotion in the Asia-Ocenia zone
READ: Victorious PH team back home after promotion to Group III of Davis Cup
“It’s always an honor to represent the country,” said the accountancy graduate from Western Michigan University, adding the team was inspired with the exploits of world-ranked Filipina netter Alex Eala.
“Ang laki ng honor na binibigay niya (Eala) sa bansa. And we hope na mas maging inspirasyon siya for us and other aspiring Filipino athletes.”
So far, the son of current Paranaque Mayor Eric Olivarez has been a perfect 7-0 in Davis Cup competitions dating back from the team’s promotional campaign in Group V late last year.
In Group III, the Philippines is expected to face the likes of Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Singapore.