Overwhelming crowd support softens feeling of Philippine Women’s Open ouster for Eala
MANILA, Philippines — As the classic Filipino song goes, there is simply no place like Manila.
And while Alex Eala exited the Philippine Women’s Open in a heartbreaking fashion, she underscored that the home support she got from the crowd “cushioned the blow” of her defeat.
Eala bowed out of the quarterfinal round of the Philippines’ first WTA 125 tournament after an upset loss against Camila Osorio, 4-6, 4-6.
After the match, she said that the support felt like a “double-sided sword” in such a loss.
“Yeah, it’s so nice to feel the support especially during a loss or during the tough moments of a match. It cushions the blow,” she said at a press conference.
“I think, playing in front of crowds like these that are passionate and that support you, makes losses… It's a double-sided sword, I think. On one end, it does cushion the blow because you know that they're there for you and they support. On the other hand, it hurts a little more and it's a little harder to accept because you want to do the best for them,” she added.
Eala, the expected heavy favorite in the tournament as she holds the home-court advantage and a World No. 49 ranking against her World No. 84 opponent, heard waves of cheers from the crowd as she scored points.
Even when she was down in the second set, she got cheered on by the fans as they tried to rally her.
Ultimately, Osorio grabbed the victory and advanced to the tournament’s semifinals.
“I think I gave it my all today and there were no regrets, so I'm happy about that,” Eala continued
Eala, in the same presser, admitted that “there were certain aspects of my game that just didn't show up today.”
“There were certain things I could have done better, but it doesn't have to be a big deal. I think I have some good things to take away as well from this week in general,” she said.
“We take it in our stride and move on. I just do my best to learn from what I can in this match.”
She also tipped her hat to Osorio, whom she described as a “very consistent player.”
“I also think she’s very smart on court. I think she changed rhythms and she never really allowed me to be in a comfortable position, which, in the end, is everyone’s goal no, is to make the other person uncomfortable but I think she executed very well,” she stated.
“I had my chances at some moments, but today, she played better than me in those moments and it’s something I have to work on.”
Now, Eala will be focusing on the Abu Dhabi Open slated early next month.
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