Paris – Alexandra Eala believes that after her impressive run in Miami she can move to the next level this year, because she will be the first woman from the Philippines who participates in a Grand Slam at the French Open.
The 20-year-old opens her French Open campaign against another Grand Slam-Debutant, Emiliana Arango of Colombia, in the opening round on the red clay of Roland Garros on Sunday.
“Being the first is a big problem because it gives other people the courage to do the same and follow the same path,” Eala told journalists.
Read: Alex Eala stands for World No. 88 Emiliana Arango in French Open Debut
“Where I started … the courts were cracked, nets were broken, fences were not completed and here everything is so detailed, everything is so modern.
“Those are the things you think of, small things that people may not appreciate as much as they grew up here.
“The little things that make a difference in the player experience.”
Eala was bursting after running to the semi-final in Miami in March when, ranked on the 140th in the world, she defeated three Grand Slam winners in Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and World Number Two Iga Swiatek.
“After Miami came to life. I have proven myself that it is possible,” said Eala, who is now in 69th place.
“My parents and I always joke about how far we have come, especially when we play in these big tournaments and the facilities are great.
Read: Alex Eala on 2025 French Open: what about her debut
“Before we jokes about all these places at home and now we are in Paris … it is definitely a different level.”
Eala has trained since the age of 13 at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain.
She lifted the 2022 US Open Girls’ Singles Trophy and is now a real competition on the WTA tour.
“There is so much to be grateful for,” said the left-handed, whose clay Court warming up the Madrid and Rome tournaments.
But after the results, she wants to well represent her country, starting with her match against 88th Arango, who won their only earlier meeting in Miami in 2024.
“As the only filipin on this stage, I represent our province and our people,” she said.
“I think that is what distinguishes me from so many of these players is that I come from Manila, because nobody has done it before and nobody has been here and I think that is so close to my heart.
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“There are so many high voltage moments in tennis, but I do my utmost to really keep my emotions under control and just wear myself well, because although I do it for myself, it is a personal journey, many people who look will see me as a reflection of our people.
“I want people to see at home, I really try to represent ourselves in a positive light.”
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