Young tennis ace finds inspiration as Eala usher
If the goal of the Philippine Women’s Open was to inspire a new generation of tennis talents, it worked on at least one bemedaled age-grouper who, for a fleeting moment she will never forget, shared center court with Alex Eala right before the Filipino star made her debut in the recent WTA 125 event.
Maria Helena Ruiz, who is a rising prospect in the 9-under age group, shared a moment with Eala as the latter’s usher during the entrance of players at center court in the round of 32.
“Walking to center court was already cool,” the nine-year-old athlete, who is also a jiujitsu two-stripe gray-belter, said in a message to the Inquirer. “Walking to centercourt with the Alex Eala was phenomenal. I was very excited and very happy to be chosen as the first kid usher to walk with Alex for her first game.”
Ruiz is slowly carving her own niche in the age-group circuit, winning against bigger players, including boys, to merit her spot among the kid ushers for the inaugural WTA event in the country.
“Watching world-class tennis inspired me to be better,” she said.
“It has made me want to train harder and be even more intentional,” Ruiz said, referring to a word she and her parents use to sharpen her focus.
Lucky charm
Being part of the event and interacting with the WTA standouts was a huge bonus.
Just before walking into the court, Eala turned to Ruiz to ask if she was ready and both of them walked to the court holding hands.
“Then it was cool because she gave me a high-five,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz also ushered in top seed Tatjana Maria, who shared a laugh with Ruiz upon learning they shared a name.
When Maria won her first game, she gave Ruiz her game-worn wristband and said, “you’re my lucky charm.” Likely. Ruiz left for Japan for a family vacation and Maria lost her next game
The WTA and tournament organizers held the tournament, hoping to ride on the sudden rise of Eala—in the world ranking and in popularity—and allow tennis to regain its foothold among young Filipinos.
Judging by the live fan turnout, the huge TV and streaming audience, the high engagement on social media and the smile on one 9-year-old ace that still hasn’t faded, the plan worked.
