Malaysian players might face Alex Eala in the Billie Jean King Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Koay Hao Sheng expects a difficult Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group II competition in Kuala Lumpur from June 16 to 21.

Hao Sheng feels that Malaysia’s biggest opponents in the tournament would be Pacific Oceania, Indonesia, and the Philippines, particularly if the latter field emerging talent Alexandra Eala.

The national team will, however, enjoy home advantage at the National Tennis Centre on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim.

“We have seen these teams play before, so we know it will be a tough competition,” Hao Sheng recently said.

“Pacific Oceania is descending from Group I (last year), although the Philippines has one player (Alexandra) who is currently doing quite well and just advanced to the semi-finals in Miami.

“I believe she (Alexandra) wants to play for her country in BJKC, but I’m not sure if she’ll be able to compete in Kuala Lumpur.”

“The Group II tournament will take place after the completion of the French Open and a few weeks before Wimbledon.

“I guess whether she plays or not will depend on what her preparation plans are for Wimbledon.”

Alexandra, who was playing on a wild card, had a breakout performance at the Miami Open last month, defeating three grand slam winners – Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek – on her way to the semi-finals, when she was barely defeated by Jessica Pegula.

The 19-year-old has reached a career high of No. 72 in the WTA rankings.

Singapore, Uzbekistan, Northern Mariana Islands, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, and Mongolia are the other nations playing in Group II.

Last year, Malaysia finished third in the BJKC Asia-Oceania Group II tournament, its greatest result to date.

“It will not be easy but we will definitely try to equal our top-three finish from last year,” Hao Sheng told the crowd.

“Nothing is guaranteed because the other teams will also be well prepared but at the same time nothing is impossible.”

Tennis Malaysia is likely to announce their BJKC team around two weeks before the Group II action begins. Hao Sheng is expected to be appointed squad captain.