Alex Eala Enters French Open Main Draw, Set for Historic Grand Slam Debut

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala is officially set to make her long-awaited Grand Slam debut after being included in the main entry list of the French Open at Roland-Garros.

The 19-year-old Filipina tennis sensation secured a spot in the women’s singles main draw following a strong showing at the Miami Open, which propelled her into the WTA Top 75 rankings.

After previously falling just one win short of qualifying for the main draw in past Grand Slam attempts, Eala will now compete directly in the tournament proper for the first time in her professional career.

Currently ranked No. 72 in the world, Eala sits at No. 74 in the French Open entry list.

She will be joining a stacked field led by world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, while Iga Swiatek enters as the second seed and three-time defending champion.

Other top players in the tournament include Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, and Madison Keys.

Also set to compete are Paula Badosa, who earlier withdrew from a potential match against Eala in Miami due to injury, and Leylah Fernandez, who has Filipino roots.

Eala’s doubles partner Katie Volynets is also included in the main draw.

Before heading to Paris, Eala continues her preparations on clay, currently competing in the Oeiras Ladies Open where she recently secured a singles victory over Anouka Koevermans. She is also set to compete in the doubles Round of 16 alongside Volynets.

The French Open, one of tennis’ four Grand Slam tournaments, is scheduled to begin in May.