Alex Eala embracing clay growth ahead of French Open

Philippines’ Alexandra Eala reacts as she plays Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, during their match at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala braces for her second main draw appearance in the French Open as she continues to grow on clay.

Eala said in an article published on the Roland Garros official website that she is still learning the nuances of the surface despite growing up playing on clay courts at the Rafa Nadal Academy.

READ: Alex Eala proves she’s earned her place among world’s best

“I competed on clay, definitely many times growing up. But playing as a professional obviously is a different game. This is my first season where I’ve really done these high-level tournaments,” Eala said.

The Filipino tennis ace, who has played most of her matches on hard courts, is going through her first full clay-court campaign in the Women’s Tennis Association Tour.

“Of course I’m starting to build that relationship (with clay), especially at this level,” said Eala.

Eala hopes for a deeper run after bowing out in the first round of her French Open debut last year, where she lost to Emiliana Arango, 6-0, 2-6, 6-3.

The 20-year-old, who made her Grand Slam main draw debut last year before her breakthrough semifinal run at the Miami Open, remains optimistic heading into Roland Garros.

“I’m finding my footing and I know that I can do well. I’m a much better player physically and mentally than I was last year and we’ve really been working hard, my team and I. And hopefully the things we’ve been working on will reflect more on my game,” she said.

On her road to Roland Garros, Eala has compiled a 4-3 record on clay across tournaments in Linz, Stuttgart, Madrid and the Italian Open.

The 20-year-old Eala ended her stint in the round of 32 in Rome after losing to World No.2 Elena Rybakina, 6-4, 6-4.

Eala is also listed as a qualifier in the Strasbourg Grand Prix beginning Monday in France.