MANILA — Filipina ace Alex Eala will kick off her campaign in the 2026 Italian Open against Poland’s Magdalena Frech on May 5 (Philippine time).
Ahead of the tournament, Eala was seen sharpening her form during practice at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.
The 42nd-ranked Eala and No. 45 Frech will be facing off for the first time. Frech’s best career ranking stands at No. 22.
Rome hosts one of the strongest fields on tour, with the top 15 players competing, including home favorite Jasmine Paolini and recent Madrid champion Marta Kostyuk.
Eala previously fell to Kostyuk in last year’s opening round but impressed in doubles, reaching the quarterfinals with Coco Gauff before losing to Paolini and Sara Errani in a tight match.
The winner of Tuesday’s match will advance to play Xinyu Wang. Frech comes in looking to snap a five-match skid in singles competition.
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