LONDON — As 20-year-old Alex Eala steps onto Wimbledon’s iconic Centre Court on Tuesday, July 1, for a first-round clash against defending champion Barbora Krejčíková, she does so with confidence and with a lot of credit to the quiet force behind her conditioning: coach Lluc Bauzà.
Bauzà, the fitness and medical director of the Rafa Nadal Academy, has overseen Eala’s physical development since 2023.
The results have brought a level of endurance and movement that turned heads in Miami early this year till Eastbourne last week.
"She surprised me," Bauzà shared. "She did seven matches in eight days, and three of them were in three sets. The last one was amazing — she could find the rhythm and wasn’t tired. Now she’s fine. Ready for tomorrow."
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Eala capped her Eastbourne run with a Saturday night final, before traveling straight to London for a light recovery session on Sunday.
"We didn’t want to rest too much," Bauzà explained. "She has one important match on Tuesday, so we just wanted to feel the ball, no pressure, no tension. She did so well."
On the grass courts of Wimbledon, Eala’s movement is a key weapon — and it’s been honed to precision.
"She loves the grass," Bauzà said. "She’s moving so fast… forward and sideways. She's working so well. She’s doing the workouts very good. Nothing to say… only thanks to Alex."
Defending Wimbledon champ Krejčíková anticipates 'great match-up' vs. Alex Eala
Tuesday’s match will mark Eala’s debut on Wimbledon’s Centre Court and a chance to test herself against the defending champion.
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