Cheyenne Suarez

Alex Eala physically, mentally strong for match vs Frech in Rome

Article (news)

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

“I’m going in prepared, I’m going in mentally strong, and hopefully with good results.”That’s the mindset Alex Eala brings into her first-round match against Poland’s Magdalena Fręch at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.Eala (WTA 42) and Fręch (WTA 45) will be meeting for the first time, and Alex—just like in every match at a major tournament—is expecting a challenge.“I have not crossed paths with her yet. But I think it’s going to be a great match. Of course, I say a lot that at this level, every match is very difficult,” she said.Match time is 11 a.m. Wednesday (5 p.m. Manila), with temperatures expected to reach 20°C at match time.Alex had a solid practice session on Tuesday, hitting with Laura Siegmund under cloudy conditions.“Yeah, I mean, of course, on clay, the weather affects the conditions a lot more than on hard. So, it’s a bit heavier—especially today, it was a bit gloomy. But it’s something, it’s an external factor you can’t really control,” she said.Alex will be playing on the famous Stadio Pietrangeli at Foro Italico. She said she doesn’t mind which court she’s on and appreciates the unique atmosphere of the venue.‘Kakaiba talaga yung venue dito . They call it the Eternal City, right? It’s very historic, dami-daming statues, it’s very artistic also. So it brings another dimension to the tour.”“I haven’t played on many of the courts here, being that it’s only my second year. So I hope by the end of this tournament, I would have played on a couple more,” she added.Eala is in Rome with her coaches, Joan Bosch and Llúc Bauzá. Her parents, Mike and Rizza Eala, won’t be present for the first-round match, but Alex remains focused regardless.“No, it doesn’t affect me. I think I’ve played so, so many matches at this point. And I’m a professional, so I’m able to be very into the match. Of course, I super appreciate all the time when they’re there. It’s a privilege to be able to spend time with family and for them to experience all of this with me.”“When it comes to if it helps me hit the forehand better, it doesn’t affect me,” said the 20-year-old Filipina tennis star.Overall, Eala is happy to be back in Italy, competing in another WTA 1000 event in a country she enjoys.“Amazing! Great food, amazing atmosphere, so I’m super excited to be here.”Balancing the grind of the women’s pro tour, Alex has also taken time to explore outside the courts and hotel routine.“Yes, I went to the Vatican City yesterday with my team.”And her favorite Italian dishes?“Of course, the pasta here is incredible. And I’m a big tiramisu fan.”<div> </div>WATCH:<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bL83m60Jxig?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>

“I’m going in prepared, I’m going in mentally strong, and hopefully with good results.” That’s the mindset Alex Eala brings into her first-round match against Poland’s Magdalena Fręch at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.

“I’m going in prepared, I’m going in mentally strong, and hopefully with good results.” That’s the mindset Alex Eala brings into her first-round match against Poland’s Magdalena Fręch at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.