AFTER making her way into the last eight of the Philippine Women’s Open, Alex Eala finds herself facing a three-time tour winner in Colombia’s Camila Osorio.
The Colombian world No. 84, who went as high as No. 33 her career, is the next challenge for the Filipina rising star. It will be the first time the two cross paths on court.
READ: Alex Eala secures PH Open quarters seat after sweeping Sakatsume
In Manila, Eala is the second seed and now the highest-ranked player left in the draw, while Osorio is seeded fifth.
Osorio won the WTA 250 Copa Colsanitas Zurich in Bogotá thrice, including back-to-back in 2024 and 2025.
All of her tour titles have been won on home soil.
While they have never met on court, Eala is already familiar with Osorio.
“Next match is going to be difficult. She’s very experienced, and, off the court, she’s a very sweet person,” she said of Osorio.
Alex allays injury fears
Providing an update on her bandaged right thigh, Eala said it is nothing to worry about and bared that she feels more confident with the bandages.
“It’s good. It’s normal that I have some physical hurdles. I will take my time to assess it after this, but I don’t think it’s anything serious,” she said.
Eala secured her quarterfinal spot after dominating Himeno Sakatsume, 6-4, 6-0, on Wednesday, while Osorio outlasted another Japanese opponent, Mai Honatama, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
Before the WTA 125 Manila, Osorio, 24, also suffered a first-round exit at the Australian Open after a thrilling loss to Ann Li, 4-6, 7-6(5), 5-7.
Eala, meanwhile, bowed to Alycia Parks, 6-0, 3-6, 2-6, to end her campaign.
The two will face off at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday in prime time.
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