‘I am Asian proud’: Thai tennis star happy for Alex Eala

Former world No. 19 Tamarine “Tammy” Tanasugarn of Thailand has taken notice of Filipina teen tennis sensation Alex Eala, who claimed her second Grand Slam title in the 2021 French Open girls doubles.

Tanasugarn said that even though she isn’t Filipino, she is proud of how a young Asian like Eala impressed against the ones from the West.

“Even if I’m not [from the Philippines], I’m still Asian proud. And also to see good Asian girls or Asian players do well, my heart is pounding,” said Tanasugarn in an interview with Rappler ahead of the 2021 Wimbledon tournament.

Tanasugarn said it hasn’t been easy for young players like Eala to get through the pandemic, and to win titles, as sporting events make a comeback.

“I think it’s not easy, you know, because she also won the Australian Open, but with COVID, they haven’t played many, many tournaments,” added the Thai grass court specialist.

“Then to come back and win the Grand Slam in French Open in doubles, wow! That’s a really good achievement for me.”

The 16-year-old Filipina tennis ace will be participating in her first Wimbledon tournament as the grass court Grand Slam returns for the first time amid the pandemic.

Though Eala suffered an early exit in the French Open girls singles event, she partnered with Russian star Oksana Selekhmeteva and they cruised to the girls doubles title.

This became the Filipina’s second Grand Slam title after she won the 2020 Australian Open juniors doubles tournament with Indonesian partner Priska Nugroho. – Rappler.com

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