Eala on collision course with Anisimova, Andreeva

Manila Times - Sep 21, 2026

FILIPINA tennis ace Alex Eala faces a formidable path at the 2026 Singapore Open in Kallang, Singapore, with potential high-stakes matchups against America’s Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals and reigning French Open champion Mirra Andreeva of Russia in the finals. Eala, who enters the tournament as the No. 3 seed, secured a first-round bye and will open her campaign in the Round of 16 on Wednesday. She is currently awaiting the winner of the first-round clash between Belgium’s Sofia Costoulas and Russia’s Tatiana Prozorova, scheduled for today. Also looming in Eala’s draw is Croatia’s Donna Vekic, a potential opponent in the quarterfinals. To ensure she is in top form for the tough competition ahead, Eala is leaving nothing to chance and is undergoing rigorous daily training. Local Filipino fans are eagerly anticipating her matches. Upon arriving in Singapore, Eala immediately attended a promotional event and gave an interview to CNA Lifestyle. When asked to choose between boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and tennis star Rafael Nadal, she playfully side-stepped the question, telling the interviewers, “Guys, that’s not fair. You guys did me dirty.” Eala also carries her on-court mantra of “never give up, and no doubt,” which has served as her weapon in past matches. The Singapore...

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