MANILA, Philippines — Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala is certainly a fan favorite but like any star athlete, she still has some people who have negative things to say about her.
Eala is unfazed with the negative feedback, putting more premium on what her inner circle has to say, knowing that they have her best interests at heart.
"Everyone is entitled to their opinion," said Eala, who advanced to the quarterfinals of the Philippine Women's Open after dispatching Japanese Himeno Sakatsume in the round of 16, 6-4, 6-0, at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center Wednesday evening.
"Being a public figure my results are out there, my games are out there, it's inevitable that people have comments whether it's positive or negative and I really appreciate the support, the positivity, and you're entitled to your own opinion. You're entitled to your own opinion even if it's negative about me."
Eala said whatever her inner circle -- her parents, friends, and coaching staff -- does is all intended to build her up.
"My approach to it is that I have my own team and they definitely will help me if there's criticism or they will provide me with constructive criticism. They work in my best interests. They also give me positive feedback," said Eala.
"That and my own opinion and the opinion of my team is what I prioritize and they definitely give me two sides and I know they have my best interests at heart. So that's what I focus on the most. All the positivity from the public is an added plus."
Eala vies for a semifinals berth as she faces Colombian Camila Osorio in the quarterfinals on Thursday.