MANILA — Filipina tennis star Alex Eala took a huge step forward in her career after she recently made her Grand Slam main draw debut in the French Open.
Eala, who just turned 20 last May 23, ticked another box in her checklist as she competed in the main draw of Roland Garros on Sunday, albeit coming in a setback to her fellow debutant Emiliana Arango of Colombia
But while she fell short of advancing into the tournament’s next round, Eala remained full of positivity and vowed to return stronger when her next opportunity arises.
“First Grand Slam main draw in the books!” Eala, who also recently reached her career-best World Rank No.69, wrote in a social media post on Tuesday. “Back to the drawing board for now, but will come back stronger next time.”
After absorbing defeat in the first frame of her women’s singles clash vs. Arango, 0-6, Eala managed to snatch the following set, 6-2, to force a decider.
Unfortunately, Arango managed to regain her footing in the third as she sealed her victory, 3-6, taking advantage of Eala’s 44 errors.
Now, Eala is shifting her focus in Roland Garros’ doubles where she will be teaming up with Mexico’s Renata Zarazúa when they take on United Kingdom's Emily Appleton and Spain's Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers.
“See you for doubles,” said Eala of their 9:00 p.m. match on Tuesday, Manila time.
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