Eala relishes teaming up with Williams in Homburg Open

Sports

FILIPINA tennis star Alex Eala relished playing alongside tennis legend Venus Williams in the doubles competition of the WTA 500 Bad Homburg Open in Germany.

The duo saw their campaign come to an end after they bowed to Tereza Mihalikova of Slovakia and Olivia Nicholls of Great Britiain, 3-6, 2-6, in the quarterfinal round of the WTA 500 Bad Homburg Open on Thursday (Philippine time), June 25.

The loss came after the 21-year-old Eala and 46-year-old Williams defeated Australian Alexandra Osborne and American Catherine Harrison, 6-3, 6-4, in Round of 16.

Despite failing to make it deep in the tournament, Eala was delighted teaming up with the American sport icon, whose stellar career included seven singles Grand Slam titles and 14 doubles crowns.

Eala said sharing the court with Williams was a privilege that “never in my wildest dreams” would happen.

“Immensely grateful to learn from you,” Eala said in a social media post.

The doubles defeat formally ended Eala’s campaign in the Homburg Open as she also bowed to Belgian Elise Mertens, 3-6, 3-6, in the singles competition.

The world No. 39 Eala will next compete in the Wimbledon Championships. Eala is seeded No. 29 in the Wimbledon, becoming the first Filipino to compete in the singles main draw.

Williams will also see action in the Wimbledon as she will partner with sister and 23-time Slam winner Serena doubles event.(CCM)