Alexandra Eala Makes Grand Slam Debut at French Open

Photo: WAM

20-year-old Alexandra Eala from the Philippines has made history. She is the first Filipino woman to play in a Grand Slam tennis tournament — and that too at the famous French Open happening at Roland Garros.

Alexandra, also called Alex, will play her first match today (Sunday) against Emiliana Arango from Colombia. Both players are playing their first French Open. The match will be on the red clay courts of Paris.

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A Big Moment for Her Country

“Being the first is a big deal,” Alexandra said while talking to reporters. “It gives others courage to dream big and follow the same path.”

Alexandra comes from humble beginnings. She remembered how the tennis courts in her hometown were cracked, the nets were torn, and even the fences were incomplete. “But here, everything is so modern and perfect,” she said about the facilities in Paris. “These are the small things that many people don’t notice, but they really matter when you’re a player.”

Rise After Miami

Alexandra’s life changed after her amazing performance at the Miami Open in March this year. Back then, she was ranked 140 in the world. But she surprised everyone by beating three top players — Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and world number 2 Iga Swiatek — to reach the semi-finals.

“After Miami, I started believing in myself more,” she said. “I proved that it’s possible.”

Now, Alexandra’s ranking has jumped to number 69. “My parents and I often joke about how far we’ve come. Before, we used to laugh about the old tennis courts back home. Now we are playing in big tournaments in cities like Paris. It feels like a dream,” she said.

Her Journey from Manila

Alexandra started training at Rafael Nadal’s Tennis Academy in Spain when she was just 13. In 2022, she won the US Open girls’ singles title. Now, she is becoming one of the strongest young players on the women’s tour.

Even though her goal is to win matches, she also wants to proudly represent the Philippines. Her opponent Arango is ranked number 88 and had beaten Alexandra in their last match in Miami last year.

“I’m the only Filipino on this stage, and I want to make our country proud,” Alexandra said.

She believes her story is special because she comes from Manila, a place where tennis is not very common. “That’s what makes me different,” she said. “No one from my country has been here before, and that makes me emotional.”

A Role Model for Many

“Tennis can be very emotional, especially in big matches. But I try my best to stay calm and act with respect,” she shared. “Yes, it’s my personal journey, but I know that many people are watching me back home. I want them to feel proud when they see me.”

Alexandra’s story is not just about winning in tennis — it’s about dreaming big, working hard, and proudly showing where you come from.