PHILIPPINE tennis sensation Alexandra Eala is in the first quarter of the women’s singles draw of the at the 2025 French Open.
The unseeded Eala is in a bunch, led by world no. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, the best player in the world, after winning a tour-leading three titles so far this season.
The world no. 69 Eala, a semifinalist in the Miami Open, will make her Grand Slam main-drawdebut against Colombian Emiliana Arango on Sunday.
The world no. 79 Arango reached the Round of 64 of the 2025 Italian Open, before bowing to Mirra Andreeva, 2-6, 4-6.
Eala, who turns 20 next week, is ecstatic as she will once again join superstars such as Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Jasmine Paolini.
Coached by Joan Bosch, Eala went back into deep training at the Nadal Sports Academy before going to Paris.
Being with great players has compelled Eala to find a balance in her game.
“It always has to be a balance. A balance of being demanding with yourself and being confident while also being humble and seeing other great players,” said Eala in an interview with Newsweek.
Defending champion Iga Swiatek, whom Eala beat in the Miami Open, is no longer the no. 2 player, having been dethroned by American superstar Gauff.
Swiatek is still a player to watch, though, after beating Paolini in the 2024 championship match.
