Eala starts Australian Open bid vs Peterson

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala is all set for a much-awaited return in the Australian Open.

Arriving in Melbourne from her side stint in Canberra, Eala has been drawn versus Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson in the first round of the qualifying draw starting today at the Rod Laver Arena.

“Hello Melbourne,” said Eala ahead of her first test in a bid to barge into the main competition.

The unranked Eala will be up against 18th seed Peterson, who is also No. 128 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings. Peterson, 28, boasts 14 titles in a seasoned career.

The Filipina tennis sensation is coming off a semifinal stint in the Workday Canberra International doubles tilt with Brazilian partner Laura Pigossi this week. In the same tourney, she participated in the singles but bowed early against Switzerland’s Celine Naef.