For Eala: It’s step by step in any tourney

MANILA, Philippines — The ultimate goal is to win it all but Alex Eala is not to get ahead of herself in the coming US Open, approaching it with a step-by-step mindset.

“I don’t have a specific round in the US Open that I say ‘O, kailangan kong abutin ito.’ The way I approach tournaments is match by match, round by round,” said Eala, during the final stop of her homecoming gigs hosted by Globe and Ayala Malls at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati Wednesday night.

“I do want to get as far as I possibly can. Of course, the ultimate goal is to win right? But I take it round by round.”

Eala, who netted a string of milestones for Philippine tennis in Wimbledon, will stay in the country for a little while before plunging back to action in a hardcourt swing after a series of fan events at home.

She arrived in the country over the weekend and was given a presidential recognition at the Macalañang Palace in a dinner hosted by President Marcos.

“I genuinely felt everyone’s love and support during each match, so it’s wonderful to be home again and to have this special fan meet,” said Eala, who was swarmed by a crowd from all walks of life in all her appearances. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to inspire and elevate Filipino talent on the global stage.”