Eala eases tensions after ankle twist: "It was nothing serious"

Alexandra Eala has become one of the biggest superstars on the WTA tour, and another proof of that is the Toronto tournament, where each of her matches turns into a crowd-pleaser. Last night, the Filipino tennis player defeated Catherine McNally 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 after an authentic battle, although she gave a scare in the second set after twisting her ankle and calling for the physio. However, she wanted to ease tensions in the press conference.

After winning the WTA 500 in Washington a few days ago, Eala has reached the round of 16 in Toronto to extend her great run of form. However, fatigue is already showing in her legs, which has been compounded by an ankle setback that raised all the alarms. Nothing could be further from the truth, as the player of the moment revealed that initially, it’s nothing serious, and that she is ready for her match against Belinda Bencic in the next round.

Eala reveals what she thought after overcoming her battle against McNally

This match was really challenging for me. I think the last two weeks have been very challenging. Every match I have played has presented its own challenges. Today was very close. I’m feeling the effects of it all. I’m doing everything I can, as I said on the court, to stay professional and stick to what I know. 

These last two weeks I have been feeling very intense emotions due to the circumstances, which is a good thing. I think I’m quite a sentimental person, but at the same time, it’s about finding that balance. I am very proud of how I handled today’s match.

Ankle sprain

I twisted my ankle in the second set. I hit a forehand and landed awkwardly. I called for the physiotherapist. I think I was a bit dazed, I didn’t know what had happened because it all happened so quickly. Fortunately, it was nothing serious. But still, today was a very physically demanding day. I have many matches behind me, and that has its advantages and disadvantages. I think it’s also a learning process. We are athletes, so that kind of physical demand is a fundamental part of our job. I have a great team that will help me recover and I have high hopes for the rest of the tournament.

Overcoming difficult moments during the match

I tried to focus more on the facts. Of course, there are many external factors, but there are also things I can control. I was aware of the situation. I know she was playing well. I know I missed a few balls here and there. I just tried to play each point better than the previous one.

Massive support from the crowd in Montreal

In the third set, there was a moment when I asked for noise. At that specific moment, I was excited, so I wanted to share it with the crowd. Obviously, I also wanted to absorb their energy. It felt like a good moment. I don’t remember it very well. Yes, I usually try to be indifferent, but I think at that particular moment, I’m sorry, I can’t find the word. I wanted that moment (laughs).

Eala reveals what McNally said to her at the net

There was a tremendous mutual respect for the great match we had. She congratulated me and said: “Thank you for letting me be a part of this”, which is incredibly kind and generous of her. Yes, I think she was very generous and I have a lot of respect for Cathy.

Accumulated fatigue

Today I had to push myself hard. I’m as tired as one can be at this point. As you can imagine, many matches in a row. But well, that’s the job. I’m ready. I’m looking forward to another battle. I’m going to do everything I can to recover and, you know, start over.

Incorporation of the slice shot into her game

I think it’s important to know how to change pace, I suppose. It has been quite effective because I have been doing quite well, but it’s one of the other things I have.

Next match against Bencic

I’m super excited. It’s going to be the first time I face her. Of course, Belinda is... I mean, she has achieved so much in tennis. I remember watching her win the Olympic medal, so I’m very excited to be back on the court with her.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Eala rebaja tensiones tras su torcedura de tobillo: "No fue nada grave"