FILE–Alex Eala of Philippines reacts during her women’s singles qualifying match against Emiliana Arango of Colombia during the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 18, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Megan Briggs/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines—Alex Eala took to Instagram to show her appreciation for the fans and vowed to come out “stronger” after falling short in the 2024 Miami Open qualifiers.
After a series of unfortunate events, Eala got bounced out of competition in the WTA Florida tilt which made the Filipino tennis ace feel “disheartened.”
“Thank you Miami! I am disheartened to say the least, that I had to finish the match being wheeled off the court. Nevertheless, I take pride in the fact that I fought until the end,” wrote Eala.
READ: Alex Eala suffers cramps, bows out of Miami Open qualifying
“I leave here on a positive note and will be back at 100% in a few days. I definitely still have so much more to give and will be back stronger and more experienced!”
On Tuesday (Manila time) Eala faced off against Colombia’s Emiliana Arango, where she fell victim to a 6-2, 5-7, 1-6 loss.
She also succumbed to cramps midway through the match which saw her blow her momentous 6-2 start.
READ: Alex Eala wins over former world No. 5 but exits Miami Open’s main draw
Right after the loss, Eala had to be helped off the playing court, much to the salutations of the fans in attendance.
The first quarter of the year has been a seesaw season for Eala as she won her first women’s doubles championship in the W50 Pune leg with partner Darja Semenista of Latvia in January.
That was followed by a quarterfinal exit in the W75 Porto after losing to Hungary’s Anna Bondar in February.