Words by Florenda Corpuz
Photos by Din Eugenio
TOKYO – Filipina tennis phenom Alex Eala opened her campaign at the Toray Pan Pacific Open with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over British wildcard Mika Stojsavljevic on Monday, as Filipino fans came out to support her in her first WTA tournament appearance in the Japanese capital.
The eighth-seeded Eala needed 75 minutes to defeat the 17-year-old Stojsavljevic and advance to the round of 16 of the WTA 500 tournament. She will next face Australia’s Talia Gibson on Oct. 28.
“I’m really happy with my performance today,” Eala said after the match. “I think there were many games where there were tight moments and a lot of obstacles, so super happy.”
Eala, ranked No. 20 in the world, said the support she receives from Filipinos at tournaments around the world has given her a strong sense of the community’s character.
“I think I’ve seen the best of the Filipinos and the Filipino people through how they support me,” she said.
“And it’s all over the world, and it's not just in specific places. So I think through their support, I’ve been able to feel the best characteristics of our community.”
The Tokyo tournament marks Eala’s first WTA appearance in the Japanese capital. She previously competed in ITF tournaments in Tokyo.
Eala’s campaign in Tokyo will continue in singles after American doubles partner Desirae Krawczyk withdrew from the doubles event because of a back injury, according to tournament organizers.
