Alex Eala proud of progress despite early French Open exit

Alexandra Eala of Philippines serves to Iva Jovic of the U.S. during their first round men’s singles tennis match at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, Tuesday, May 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala is taking her first-round exit in the 2026 French Open in stride, embracing the growing pains that come with competing regularly on the Grand Slam stage.

Eala bowed to American doubles partner Iva Jovic, 4-6, 2-6, on Tuesday (Philippine time), crashing out in the opening round of her second straight main draw appearance at Roland Garros.

READ: Alex Eala falls to Iva Jovic in French Open first round

“I think there were definitely apparent differences, at least how I saw it. Of course, I have to process a little bit more and then maybe get into it in a deeper level with my team. But I think that there were a couple of things that Iva did better than me today,” said Eala after the loss.

“I see the difference between players of her level or maybe her ranking rather than my general level. I’m not saying that I can’t get there. And I’m not saying that I haven’t put out that level yet. But I think I know what work needs to be done in order to make it more of my average.”

Despite another early exit, the Rafa Nadal Academy graduate remained proud of her progress and optimistic about her future.

“I’m top 40 now. I’ve done a lot of great things. And the game at this level is so much more than just technique. So there’s so, so many different factors that build into it. But that being said, I’m super proud of how far I’ve come,” said Eala, who just turned 21.

READ: Alex Eala, Iva Jovic share love after French Open clash

“I’m confident in myself. I’m confident in how I play even through losses like this. And I think that’s very important. It’s very difficult to achieve every single week. So I take that in my stride.”

Eala now shifts her attention to the doubles competition, where she teams up with Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko against the pair of Leylah Fernandez and Diana Shnaider in the opening round on Wednesday evening.

After Roland Garros, Eala is expected to begin preparations for the grass-court season.

“I have doubles here. Right now, that’s kind of my full focus,” she said.

“And then I think I will be going to different tournaments than I did last year, but I have not confirmed. So wait and see, guys.”