NEXT UP: Italy.
Alexandra “Alex” Eala’s build-up to the French Open continues with two tournaments in Italy after a productive campaign in Spain.
Mrs. Eala reached the second round of both singles and doubles at the Mutua Madrid Open, the WTA’s 1000-ranked tour, at the weekend but she is not done yet.
“That’s what happened in Madrid. I’m very grateful for my time here. I’ll come back stronger,” said the 20-year-old proud Filipino tennis player.
Ms Eala will have a week off before playing in the Internazionali BNL D’Italia (Italian Open) in Rome from May 5 to 17.
Another level 1000 adventure for Ms. Eala, who is also listed in the WTA 125 Parma Ladies Open in the same country is scheduled for May 12 to 17. His availability at Parma City will depend on his campaign in Rome.
All these clay grains serve as the final structure of Ms. In the hands of the queen of clay that is the French Open from May 24 to June 7.
Mrs. Eala, a graduate of the Rafael Nadal Academy also in Spain, has played three clay-court tournaments so far to prepare for that despite not getting past the second round in each campaign.
Her latest setback was a 6-2, 6-1 loss to world number 21 and tournament number 19 Elise Mertens of Belgium in Round 2 of the Madrid Open.
In doubles, she and Turkish partner Zeynep Sonmez fell to the powerhouse duo of Katerina Siniakova of Czechia (world No. 2 doubles) and Taylor Townsend of the United States (world No. 5), 6-1, 7-5, in the second round.
Ms. Eala also advanced to the second round of the Upper Austria Ladies Linz Open in Austria and the first round of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany.
The superstar is currently ranked number 44 in the world rankings, looking to climb back up after reaching number 29 last month. – John Bryan Ulanday
