MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala is setting her sights on a stronger showing at the Madrid Open following a first-round exit in Stuttgart, Germany.
The 20-year-old Filipina campaigner bowed out early after a straight-sets loss to Leylah Fernandez, 1-6, 4-6, halting her run in the tournament.
Now ranked No. 45 in the world after previously reaching a career-best No. 29, Eala is eager to regain momentum. Her recent outings saw her fall short of deeper runs, despite making three consecutive Round of 16 appearances in tournaments held in Linz, Miami, and Indian Wells.
A product of the Rafa Nadal Academy, Eala competed in last year’s Madrid Open where she reached the Round of 64. She eventually lost to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in a three-set duel.
The Madrid Open will feature top-tier competition, including reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff.
The Spanish tournament marks Eala’s third event in the current clay-court season as she aims to bounce back and make a deeper run.
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