Pinay tennis star Eala continues training in Spain

The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic brought the sporting world to a standstill and yet Alex Eala is working feverishly to improve her game.

The 14-year-old Eala, who was the first Filipina to win a Grand Slam title, is currently honing her game in the Spanish town of Manacor in Mallorca as a scholar of the renowned Rafael Nadal Academy.

“I am doing everything I can to improve my game. As for long-term goals, the dream is not just to be a professional, but to be one of the best,” Eala said in an interview by the online publication of the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Following her historic run in the 2020 Australian Open junior girls’ doubles tournament with Indonesian partner Priska Nugroho, Eala played her pro debut in the ITF Women’s Futures in Monastir, Tunisia last month.

Entering the tourney with a juniors world rank of No. 4, Eala came through with a victorious debut after forcing Nadia Alam of Venezuela to retire in the third set, 1-6, 7-6, 3-2.

She fought valiantly against third-seed Nina Stadler of Switzerland in the second round but eventually lost, 4-6, 7-6 (6), 7-5.

Eala cancelled her second pro tilt also in Tunisia the following week as the Rafael Nadal Academy ordered all its players and coaches to return to Spain due to the threat of Covid-19.

But the tennis prodigy is not remaining idle though her next competition is still unknown.

“I very much miss being on court and competing in tournaments, but in this difficult time there is not much that any of us can do. Right now, I’m just doing some physical activities which are going to help me stay fit and be ready when I get back on court,” said Eala, the recipient of the Tony Siddayao award and Milo Junior Female Athlete of the Year plum in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night last month.

“The academy is taking all the necessary precautions and, for now, I am not doing any workouts outdoors or in big groups of people. Since school has been moved online for the time being, I don’t have a problem keeping myself occupied,” Eala said.