Tennis princess Alex Eala took an opening round bye in the women’s singles event after the draw was held Saturday, September 23, just hours before the 19th Asian Games officially opened.

Seeded No. 4 – thanks to her good showing in several top-tier events – Eala will launch her medal bid on Monday, September 25, before teaming up with Ruben Gonzales in the mixed doubles event on Tuesday, September 26.

Gonzales and doubles partner Francis Alcantara are looking for an encouraging start to their title bid when they clash against the Thais Sunday, September 24.

The names of their Thai rivals were not yet available at press time. However, both Gonzales and Alcantara know them being tour veterans.

All Eyes on Alex Eala of the Philippines

Eala is being considered as one of Asia’s rising stars having won her fourth ITF title in Great Britain last month.

But for her to be recognized as one of them, Eala, 18, needs to do well in her maiden appearance in the quadrennial sporting showcase.

Though she suffered an early exit in the Guangzhou event, Eala remained positive

Standing in her way are Chinese No. 1 Zheng Qinwen – the very same who stunned Ons Jabeur of Tunisia to reach the quarters of the recent US Open in New York.

Also tipped to do well is Indian Ankita Raina, the bronze medal winner of the 2018 edition held in Palembang, Indonesia.