Eala starts next chapter

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala’s story didn’t end in London. If anything, it has just started.

From the manicured grass of England, the Filipina star transitions to the tough hardcourts of the United States carrying a career-high ranking, hard-earned lessons, and a growing legion of fans.

“This week in general will add to my confidence,” Eala said after a historic Wimbledon run that delivered a string of firsts for her career and for Philippine tennis.

Eala, 21, arrived at the All England Club as the first Filipina seeded player in Grand Slam history at No. 29. She didn’t shy away from the bright lights.

She became the first Filipina to win a main-draw match at Wimbledon, and the first to reach both the third and fourth rounds of any major. Her campaign ended in the Round of 16 with a 4-6, 6-4, 3-6 loss to world No. 17 and No. 13 seed Jasmine Paolini of Italy.

“I gave everything that I could. I did everything that I could do, so I’m proud of that,” Eala said. “I’m leaving with positive thoughts.”

“There are so many positives. One is how I’ve handled pressure. Of course, the more you want to win, the pressure comes with that. I’m happy I faced it head on. I kept cool when I needed to, controlled my emotions, and performed the best that I could that day.”

Eala’s highlight came in the Round of 32, where she delivered a 7-6 (11-9), 6-2 masterclass over dethroned champion and world No. 3 Iga Swiatek of Poland.

Eala finished the grass season with a 12-4 record. Those results have shaped her into a tougher competitor as she heads into the US hardcourt swing.

Eala is entered in the Mubadala DC Open in Washington, D.C. The lefty from the Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain is also expected to play the National Bank Open in Canada, the Cincinnati Open, and other WTA Tour events leading up to the US Open, the season’s final major, set for Aug. 30 to Sept. 13 in New York.