Philippines’ Alexandra Eala returns the ball to Colombia’s Emiliana Arango, all the way through their first spherical fit of the French Tennis Open, on the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Sunday May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Alex Eala on Tuesday accomplished a primary Grand Slam fit win for a Filipino lady, announcing she was hoping her doubles luck on the French Open used to be a part of “a new era for sport” in her nation.
She teamed up with Mexico’s Renata Zarazua to defeat Britain’s Emily Appleton and Spain’s Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers 7-5, 6-4 and e book a spot in the second one spherical.
READ: Alex Eala earns first French Open win in doubles play
The win got here two days after the 20-year-old, the primary lady from her nation to compete in a Grand Slam, used to be eradicated within the first spherical of the singles by means of Emiliana Arango of Colombia 6-0, 2-6, 6-3.
“It’s so heartwarming,” Eala advised AFP of her Grand Slam fit win. “Of course, it’s always good to come back and compete well after a singles loss, especially after a tight one.”
“I’m feeling just right, it’s my debut in Grand Slam doubles so I’m feeling satisfied to be taking part in with Renata and to have my first Slam win.
READ: Alex Eala vows comeback after French Open singles loss
“Of course, it was a difficult (singles) loss but in the end I think there’s things to take away and I try to do better in the doubles.”
The toughen from house has been “positive,” she mentioned. “They’re happy to see a Filipino competing in the main draw in Paris.”
Eala is a part of a brand new era of Filipino sports activities stars. She has skilled because the age of 13 at Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca, Spain.
READ: Alex Eala satisfied to play her section in PH’s rising love for tennis
She lifted the 2022 US Open ladies’ singles trophy and reached the semi-finals at Miami in March when, ranked 140th on the planet, she beat 3 Grand Slam winners in Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and international quantity two Iga Swiatek.
“I think we’re entering a new era for Filipino sport,” the 73rd-ranked participant mentioned, pointing to the luck of gymnast Carlos Yulo, who took two gold medals on the Paris Olympics final yr.
“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.”