By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Fresh off the finest Grand Slam performance of her young career, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala returned to the Philippines to a warm reception following her historic run at the Wimbledon Championships on Sunday, July 12.

The 21-year-old Negrense arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where she was welcomed by Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, and Philippine Tennis Association Secretary General John Rey Tiangco.

Fans also gathered to greet Eala, whose breakthrough campaign in London further cemented her status as one of the country’s brightest sporting stars.

Eala is set to remain in the Philippines for several days to take part in media appearances and fan activities before flying out to continue her preparations for the North American hard-court season.

Her homecoming followed an impressive Wimbledon showing highlighted by a series of memorable victories.

She opened her campaign with a straight-set win over Renata Zarazua before overcoming Maya Joint in three sets in the second round.

The Filipina then produced the biggest victory of her career by eliminating defending champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6 (9), 6-2, to become the first Filipina to reach the Round of 16 at Wimbledon.

Eala’s remarkable run ended in the fourth round after a hard-fought 4-6, 6-4, 3-6 defeat to Jasmine Paolini.

She is expected to resume competition next month at the WTA 1000 National Bank Open in Canada before shifting her focus to the US Open, the year’s final Grand Slam tournament./ASC, WDJ