Alex Eala triumphs vs. Russia's Alina Charaeva, 6-1, 6-2, at the WTA Philippine Women’s Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis court in Manila on January 26, 2026. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala downplayed an injury scare after calling for a medical timeout in her first match in the Philippine Women's Open on Monday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
Eala had made quick work of Russia's Alina Charaeva in Set 1 but trailed 1-2 in the second frame. She requested a medical timeout ahead of the fourth game, where she was set to serve.
READ: Alex Eala dominates Charaeva, through to 2nd round of PH Women's Open
The packed center court that was rallying behind the hometown bet fell silent during the brief medical timeout.
The Filipina player returned with a bandage on her right thigh.
"Yeah, there was a bit of discomfort and [it’s] nothing serious. I have a day now to see how it goes. I'll let it relax and wake up tomorrow and see how I feel," Eala said after the match.
Coming from the break, Eala seemed unbothered as she took five straight games to close out the set and the match against Charaeva, 6-1, 6-2.
"I think physical pain is definitely a part of an athlete's lifestyle. It's a part of the job. We have to find ways to best manage that and not let it affect us mentally. And I think kabisado ko na yung katawan ko," she said.
Eala has yet to find out who she will face in the Round of 16, as the Round of 32 continues on Tuesday.