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The Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) is hopeful that Alex Eala will represent the country at the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok this December.

“We’re hoping she could play for the Philippines. Let’s all pray she does,” said Philta Executive Director Tonette Mendoza.

Mendoza said Eala’s participation will depend on her schedule, as the world No. 65 is working on arrangements but is eager to compete.

“She’s just trying to fit it into her schedule, but she seems very excited, so we really hope she can make it,” Mendoza added.

If Eala joins, she will be gunning for her first SEA Games gold medal after bagging three bronze medals at the 2021 Hanoi edition.

Mendoza also confirmed that the same men’s team will banner the country in the Bangkok Games, while the women’s roster is still being finalized.

“Yes, we have the same team in the men’s, but for the women’s we’re still trying to put them together. Preparations for the biennial meet will start by November,” Mendoza said.

Members of both squads are also set to compete abroad as part of their training leading to the Games.
 

Fresh from their successful Group IV campaign in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Philippine Men’s Davis Cup team was formally recognized after a clean sweep, capped by a 2-0 playoff win over Kyrgyzstan, earned them a much-anticipated promotion to Group III of the Asia-Oceania Zone.

“It’s a slow climb, but we’re happy to be back in Group III,” said Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) Executive Director Tonette Mendoza. “The goal is to return to Group II, where we used to compete before.”

Team standout Jed Olivarez, who now holds an impressive 7-0 Davis Cup singles record since the team’s climb from Group V, said the team is determined to keep the momentum going. 

“It’s always an honor to represent the country. We’re inspired by Alex Eala and hope to make the nation proud,” he said.

Also part of the Davis Cup roster are AJ Lim, Arthur Craig "Iggy" Pantino, and seasoned doubles specialists Ruben Gonzales and Francis Casey Alcantara. Former PH tennis greats Joseph Lizardo and Johnny Arcilla serve as the team’s coaches.

Lim, recovering from an injury sustained during the Olivarez Cup finals, was unable to attend the forum, while Pantino and Gonzales are competing and training overseas. Alcantara, currently ranked among the world’s top 250 in doubles, also recently returned to Europe after representing the Philippines.