After winning the Mubadala DC Open, 21-year-old Alex Eala flew to Canada for a whirlwind of tennis commitments including practices and a first-round match in front of a sold-out stadium.
“Napakasaya! Sobrang saya! It was super fun… so much energy,” she said.
Between Washington and Toronto, Eala squeezed in a photoshoot in Washington and described it as her version of a championship celebration.
“I was so happy. I feel like that was kind of my celebration to dress up and take good photos. I felt very empowered. Felt very beautiful,” she said.
She wore her own light yellow dress for the shoot that was gifted by her friends.
Asked how her body was holding up after the travel, the media rounds, and a demanding first-round match, Eala kept it simple.
“Okay naman. Of course, as tired as one would normally be but I’m good.”
On the court, the Filipina star admitted the match against Alycia Parks required a lot of patience.
“I had to try to get the ball in play. She has a huge serve and she’s got a lot of power, so I think the start of the points were very important,” she said.
Looking ahead, Eala is excited over her doubles pairing with Venus Williams.
“I’m super excited for my doubles with Venus. I’m going to give it everything I have, and then I’ll think about my next singles match,” she said.
Eala faces ranked No. 70 Caty McNally in the singles third round.