Photo from Rafa Nadal Academy Facebook
Alex Eala will get added motivation when she guns to get into the main draw of the prestigious Miami Open.
Her parents have flown to Miami to root for her from the sidelines.
“This is a huge opportunity for Alex to play at the top level of women’s tennis,” her father, Mike, told the Inquirer via a message on Saturday. “Aside from looking forward to a great experience, it is an excellent time to absorb and learn from the best in the sport both on and off the court.”
Her family, who arrived in Miami a day before she and her coach did, was also there when Alex won the Australian Open juniors doubles title last year.
On account of her No. 3 ranking in girls singles—she’s already ranked 736th in women’s at 15 years old—Eala was awarded wild card entry to the qualifying round.
She may have to win a few matches to get into the main draw, where the likes of Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka and world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty have been listed as participants.
The Miami Open is one of those tournaments that fall just a rung below the Grand Slams in terms of participation and exposure, and has been won by the likes of Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka.
The tournament will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
“She is extremely happy that she was given a wild card to the qualifying and remains excited for the coming week.”
Eala’s first round match is on Monday.
Hopes are high for the Filipino tennis sensation although her handlers see this week’s tournament as another opportunity to soak in the atmosphere of high-level tennis competitions.
She won her first pro tournament back in Spain, capturing the Manacor W15 last month.