ALEX Eala was quick to play down concerns of any injury after hurdling her opening match in the WTA 125 Philippine Women's Open on Monday night.
The 20-year-old Filipina called for a medical timeout at the 43-minute mark of her Round of 32 match against Russian Alina Charaeva, getting worried looks from home fans as she disappeared into the hallway leading to the locker rooms.
READ Alex Eala thrills home fans by beating Charaeva in PH Open debut
The tournament second seed spent nearly five minutes off the court before returning with her right thigh wrapped in bandage.
Eala didn't look as if she was in any discomfort the rest of the match which she won, 6-2, 6-1, and later assured the media the issue was minor and only needed monitoring, calling it part of the grind of a physically demanding sport.
“There’s a bit of discomfort, nothing serious. I have a day to spend to relax, wake up tomorrow and see how I feel,” the world No. 49 told mediamen who waited for over an hour after the win for her post-match interview.
Eala added: “I think pain is definitely a part of an athlete’s lifestyle. We have to find ways to best manage that and not let it affect us mentally.”
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