By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense tennis fans will still get to see World’s No. 49 Alexandra “Alex” Eala compete at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center despite her uncertainty in the singles main draw of the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open.

The Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA), which is organizing the tournament, has included the 20-year-old 2025 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in the doubles competition.

PHILTA board member and co-tournament director Dyan Castillejo said participants in the doubles event are allowed to choose their own partners, giving Eala the flexibility to decide who she will team up with.

“As we all know, Alex’s chances depend on her campaign in the Australian Open. We gave her a wild card in the singles, and also in doubles, where she can choose her partner,” Castillo said.

A total of 32 players will compete in the tournament, with 24 entries already confirmed.

Of those, 12 will advance directly to the main draw, while another 12 will vie for slots through the qualifying rounds.

The qualifying draw is scheduled for January 24 and 25, with the final eight players earning places in the main tournament./ASC, WDJ