Alex Eala practices with world no. 16 Iga Swiatek in preparation for Miami Open

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala is ramping up her preparations for the upcoming 2021 Miami Open as she aims to improve on her no. 736 ranking in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

After receiving a wildcard invite to one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, Eala thought that this might be the opportunity she needs to further boost her experience at a very young age.

The 15-year-old sensation, despite going up against much older and experienced tennis players, cruised through multiple WTA tournaments this year including a stunning championship run during the first leg of the Manacor W15 tournament.

However, Eala began to suffer heartbreaking losses including early exits during her last tourneys and is eager to bounce back as well as grabbing the opportunity to share the court with the world’s greatest.

As part of her preparations, Eala did an open training with world no. 16 Iga Swiatek of Poland who is recently making waves in the sport and clinched the 2021 French Open title.

Rafael Nadal Academy posted a photo of Eala and Swiatek on their Instagram account with the caption, “Thanks for the practice Iga Swiatek! Alex Eala is ready for her first WTA tournament! Vamos!”

Swiatek became the newest tennis sensation after scoring an upset against world no.1 Simona Halep during the 2021 French Open and cruised through the finals and defeated world no. 4 Sofia Kenin in straight sets to become the first-ever Polish player to win a grand slam.