Eala Says Focus Needs to be on Singles in DC

There was much fanfare surrounding what would have been a second appearance by Alexandra Eala and Venus Williams as a doubles tandem this summer. The Filipino trailblazer partnered with 46-year-old Williams in Bad Homburg and reached the quarterfinals, but she decided to withdraw from this week’s DC Open draw to focus on singles. 

During her pre-tournament press conference Eala said the decision was made strictly to preserve her energy for singles. 

“I have so much respect for Venus,” the 21-year-old said. “I am so grateful for every opportunity that I have to be around her, to learn from her, to hit with her. But I do think this is my first week coming back, and I think that Venus is someone who deserves a partner who can give their all physically, emotionally, mentally when they’re on court with her.” 

Eala took some time off after reaching the second week at Wimbledon, and even went on a three-day “girls trip” to Sweden, where she took in a Bad Bunny show. 

Getting back on hard courts for the first time since Miami, Eala will face China’s Zheng Qinwen in the first round at Miami. 

“I think right now I think I can only do that for singles,” the World No.28 said. “I don’t have the capacity yet to be able to give that in both singles and doubles. I’m really grateful for the opportunity that I had, or have, and hopefully we see more of it in the future.” 

Eala and Zheng have never met before on tour. The winner of their battle will face Leylah Fernandez in round two.