A COUPLE of months from now, Alex Eala will be playing for flag and country. But before that, the 20-year-old Filipina tennis star will chase personal glory when she competes in the WTA250 Japan Open next week.

Currently enjoying what is by far her highest singles world ranking at No. 54, Eala will try to become the first Filipina to break into the Top 50–something that she could achieve if she can come up with a deep run in the $250,000 tournament.

The competition will feature some of the world’s best with Naomi Osaka, World No. 16, looking to defend her home turf.

Also seeing action are World No. 17 Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic, Filipina-Canadian Leylah Fernandez, WTA No. 27, and No. 70 Cristina Bucsa of Spain.

The official draw has yet to be released but Eala’s first assignment will come from the qualifier in the Round of 32.

If plans don’t materialize in Japan, Eala will still have a chance to achieve her ambitious goal through two other tournaments. From Japan, Eala will also compete in the Guangzhou Open from October 20-26 and the Hong Kong Open from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2.

Eala will then fly home to suit up for the Philippine Team, which will see action in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand slated this December.(CCM)

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