Confidence will be high when Alexandra Eala starts her clay-court season with the 2025 Oeiras Ladies Open in Portugal from April 14 to 20.
The 19-year-old Eala said she is sure of herself and with her game, as she comes in not only as a direct entry, but as the top seed of the tournament.
“The confidence is there, definitely. I think my shots are really high in quality after the week I had (in the Miami Open),” said Eala.
The Filipina superstar’s Women’s Tennis Association ranking will rise further from 73 to 72 this week when she plunges into action in Portugal.
Familiar faces will be in this WTA 125 event, including world no. 80 American netter Katy Volynets, who is the no. 2 seed.
“I haven’t been in clay in roughly a year. So, it’s been awhile since I stepped on clay. The grass and hard court season has been long,” added Eala.
Eala last played on clay in June last year in Croatia, when she joined the Makarska Open.
That’s when she lost in the Round of 32 to Maria Timofeeva, 6-1, 3-6, 2-6, and picked up $1,250 for her effort.
“I’ll adjust my game and feel my way around the court. And I’ll be comfortable with clay,” added Eala.
If Eala moves up in the coming round, she may again face Volynets, whom she eliminated in straight sets in the opening round of the Miami Open.
Eala will also seek a win over Anna Bondar of Hungary, who is seeded fourth.
Bondard handed Eala one of the worst losses of her pro career, a 6-0, 6-0 whipping she got in the 2022 Madrid Open when she was only 16 years old.
