Alex Eala excited ahead of first US Open campaign as a pro

Alex Eala begins her US Open women’s campaign. –ALEX EALA INSTAGRAM

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala kicks off her first US Open stint as a pro on Wednesday (Manila time) in the qualifying round.

Eala took to Instagram to express her excitement to play in the US Open, posting a photo of her at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, New York.

“So excited for my first Professional US Open,” said Eala, who is raring to enter the main draw in the Grand Slam seniors for the first time.

READ: Alex Eala soars to career-best in singles and doubles rankings

Eala battles Maddison Inglis of Australia in the first stage on Wednesday at 2:55 a.m. (Manila time).

The 19-year-old became the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam singles title in the girls’ division in the US Open two years ago.

She is coming off back-to-back quarterfinal exits in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Eala is currently world No. 148 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings after a career-high of 143rd last month.