ALEXANDRA 'Alex' Eala said she feels confident heading to her Australian Open main draw debut.
The Filipino tennis hotshot drew that confidence from her semifinal finish at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand last week.
“It (my semis finish in Auckland) was definitely great for confidence," said Eala in a press conference Friday.
"Getting matches always helps before Slams, so I’m confident with how I’m playing. It doesn’t mean that matches aren’t going to be tough here so I’m ready for playing here."
World no. 49 Eala opens her campaign against no. 100 Alycia Parks of the United States on Monday.
Falling in the first round of the qualifiers in each of the last three years, Eala expressed excitement at finally playing in the main draw of the first major of the year.
The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam that Eala hasn't played at yet, making her debut at the Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and US Open last year.
“It feels great, I’m super excited," said Eala, who played one exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic, repeating over Croatian Donna Vekic, 6-3, 6-4, last Wednesday.
"You know, coming in as a main draw player gives a different vibe, especially with the struggles I had in the past coming here. So, I’m super excited coming here in full force," added Eala, who was hailed as the Kooyong Classic champ and was given the Evonne Goolagong Cawley Trophy Friday.
Dream come true
A deep run at the Australian Open would have Eala missing the first-ever WTA event in the Philippines, the Philippine Women's Open that would overlap with the second week of the first Slam of the Year.
While the 20-year-old could miss her home tournament set from January 24 to 31 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, Eala is excited that her dream is coming true.
“I’m happy that it’s finally coming together, it’s really happening. It’s a dream to have a home tournament and in just the WTA stage in general,” said Eala.
“I think it’s a huge step for tennis in the Philippines and women’s tennis, especially since I know some friends who are going to play there. I’m so happy that it’ll bring a lot of inspiration and a lot of motivation for the girls back home.”