Eala sets foot in Melbourne

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala arrived in Melbourne yesterday for a much-awaited stint in the world’s first Grand Slam tourney this year.

Following a strong campaign in Canberra, Eala will brace for a tougher competition in the Australian Open starting tomorrow at the Melbourne Park featuring a 128-player field in the qualifiers.

The 19-year-old Filipina standout is hoping to scoop one of the remaining 16 spots from that cast to advance to the main tourney slated on Jan. 12 to 26.

Eala is still waiting for the release of the official draw to determine her opponents in three rounds of the qualifiers, which she hopes to conquer all to etch history for Philippine tennis.

With a sweep of the qualifiers, Eala could become the first Filipina player to ever strut her stuff in a Grand Slam main tournament.

She came so close to achieving it last year by making the finals of the other majors – French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.