Alex Eala makes Grand Slam history for the Philippines with Roland Garros debut

PARIS — Philippines sensation Alexandra Eala believes she can move up to the next level after her impressive run in Miami this year as she becomes the first woman from her country to compete in a Grand Slam at the French Open.

The 20-year-old will open her French Open campaign against another Grand Slam debutant, Emiliana Arango of Colombia, in the opening round on the red clay of Roland Garros today.

“Being the first is a big deal because it gives other people courage to do the same and follow the same path,” Eala told journalists.

“Where I started... the courts were cracked, nets were broken, fences were not completed, and here everything is so detailed, everything is so modern.

“Those are the things that you think about, little things people might not appreciate as much if they grew up here.

“The small things that make a difference in the player experience.”

Eala burst through after her run to the semi-finals at Miami in March when, ranked 140th in the world, she beat three Grand Slam winners in Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and world number two Iga Swiatek.