Alex Eala returns home to hero’s welcome after Wimbledon run

Alex Eala returns home to a hero’s welcome after a historic Wimbledon campaign.–PSC PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala on Sunday returned home for a short vacation in Manila before her US Open swing.

Eala arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 to a hero’s welcome following her historic run at Wimbledon in London, where she became the first Filipino to make the round of 16 in a Grand Slam singles tournament.

READ: Alex Eala set for homecoming before US Open swing

The 21-year-old Eala will hold a fan meet on Wednesday at Glorietta Activity Center in Makati.

Eala had her best campaign in a major yet before yielding to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in three sets in the last 16.

In her sixth Grand Slam main draw appearance, Eala unseated defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland in the third round.

Alex Eala provides ‘ray of hope’ for Philippines despite Wimbledon exit

The Rafa Nadal Academy graduate will compete in the Mubadala DC Open—a WTA 500 tournament—slated from July 27 to August 2 in Washington to kick off her hardcourt swing.

Eala then, heads to Toronto for the Canadian Open from August 1 to 13. Before the US Open, Eala is expected to grace the Stars of the Open — a US Open fan week.

Eala will compete in her second US Open main draw appearance, a year after she earned her first Grand Slam win as a pro.