MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala said she's honored to play in the WTA Tour at the same time as the returning legendary Serena Williams.
A 23-time Grand Slam champion, Williams said she was 'evolving away' from tennis after her 2022 US Open stint, the same year Eala won the juniors girls' title at that Grand Slam tourney.
The 44-year-old just made her return to professional tennis in the HSBC Championships doubles with Victoria Mboko.
"It's incredible. I did not think that I would be able to experience that in my lifetime to be on the Tour while Serena is competing as well," said Eala in a Tennis Channel interview.
"Of course, she is the great and such an inspiration to be able to see that first hand and experience the Tour at the same time as hers.
"It's something I will remember for life even if maybe I don't get any interactions with her. It would still be an honor to be in that same space."
Williams' marked her pro return with a win as she and Mboko defeated third-seeded duo Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe 7-6 (2), 6-2, last Wednesday in the first round (round of 16).
But with Mboko's injury, Williams' return was cut short as their scheduled quarterfinal opponents Laura Siegemund and Leylah Fernandez walked over and advance to the semis.
Eala likewise played in the tournament, reaching the singles round of 16 where she fell to Iva Jovic, 2-6, 2-6.
The 21-year-old defeated Zhang Shuai, 6-3, 6-2, in the first round.
Continuing her buildup for the Wimbledon, Eala will next compete at the 500 Berlin Open where she received a wildcard entry.
After the Berlin tiff that will run from June 15 to 21, Eala will compete at the Bad Homburg Open where she is listed in the qualifying tournament.
The 500-tier tournament will run from June 21 to June 27.
The Wimbledon is slated from June 29 to July 12.
