Tennis wonder Alexandra Eala is eyeing stints in the Grand Slam juniors when she turns 13 in May.
“I want to play in as many tournaments as I can,” said Eala. “I need to start building my ITF ranking to qualify for the Grand Slams.”
She is hoping to follow the footsteps of Francis Casey Alcantara, Jeson Patrombon and Alberto Lim Jr., who campaigned extensively in junior Grand Slams before embarking on pro careers.
Playing in 15 tournaments in 2017 and ending the year with a finals appearance in the Orange Bowl Tennis Championship 12s in Coral Gables, Florida, Eala is psyched up to embark on an even busier calendar in 2018.
“She really loves what she does, and we as a family are behind her every step of the way,” said her father, Michael.
The 7th grader at Colegio San Agustin made the semifinals of the Eddie Herr International Juniors prior to the Orange Bowl.
She also reached the main draws or further in La Perre Young Championship Cup in Belgium, International Deutch Tennis 14-U in Germany and Balle Mimosa Loire-Arlentique, among others.
“Now the goal is for her to play in ITF tournaments when she becomes eligible on May 23,” said the elder Eala.
Eala said she eventually wants to nail a slot in the Philippine team for the World Juniors Championships 14U in March.