Alex Eala Scores Historic Grand Slam Doubles Win

PARIS — Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra Eala made history at the French Open, becoming the first Filipino woman to win a Grand Slam main draw match after clinching a doubles victory with Mexican partner Renata Zarazua on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old Eala and 27-year-old Zarazua defeated Britain’s Emily Appleton and Spain’s Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers 7-5, 6-4 to advance to the second round of the women’s doubles tournament.

“It’s so heartwarming,” Eala told AFP. “Of course, it’s always good to come back and compete well after a singles loss, especially after a tight one.”

Eala had lost in the singles first round to Colombia’s Emiliana Arango in three sets, 0-6, 6-2, 6-3, in her debut in a Grand Slam main draw.

Despite that setback, Eala bounced back with poise and resilience, marking a milestone for Philippine tennis.

“I’m feeling good, it’s my debut in Grand Slam doubles so I’m feeling happy to be playing with Renata and to have my first Slam win,” she said.

The victory was not a last-minute pairing; Eala said the duo had planned to team up previously.

“First time kami mag-partner dito pero magkaibigan naman kami nang matagal, maganda ang chemistry namin sa court. All the time smiling. Good vibes,” she said. “We’ve tried a few times, but in the end, didn’t push through. So happy to be here with her.”

Eala and Zarazua face a tough challenge in the next round against Serbia’s Olga Danilovic and Russia’s Anastasia Potapova, a team known for clay-court strength and aggressive net play.

“I haven’t looked at the draw yet, but I’m just, I’m happy to be there,” Eala said. “I think I focus on recovering right now.”

Eala, ranked No. 73 in the world, is widely regarded as a trailblazer in Philippine tennis. She has trained since age 13 at Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca, Spain.

She won the 2022 US Open girls’ singles title and recently reached the Miami Open semifinals in March after defeating three Grand Slam winners, including world No. 2 Iga Swiatek.

“I think we’re entering a new era for Filipino sport,” Eala said, citing fellow athletes like gymnast Carlos Yulo, who captured two Olympic gold medals in Paris last year.

“Filipinos are very talented and very hard workers. There’s a support, a community, because it’s not often you (have) seen Filipino athletes excel on the international stage, so every time someone does good we’re very happy for them.”

Mentally bouncing back from her singles loss, Eala said the lighter energy of doubles play helped her reset.

“I think pag sa doubles kasi, generally, mas masaya at mas light. Hindi masyado mabigat,” she explained. “The fact na may kasama ka sa court, nakakatulong yan sa pagiging masaya, fun, iba yung energy, chemistry namin, and nakakatulong din pag kinakabahan ka.”

Support from the Philippines has been “positive,” she added. “They’re happy to see a Filipino competing in the main draw in Paris.”

Eala remains focused but optimistic as she continues her historic run in Roland Garros.