MANILA, Philippines — Even before Alex Eala wraps up her campaign in the Berlin Open, her next opponents are already lined up for the Bad Homburg Open, also set in Germany.
Based on the official draw released by organizers, Eala will face Elise Mertens of Belgium in the opening round. This will mark their second meeting this season.
Eala previously bowed to Mertens in the Round of 64 of the Madrid Open last April, 2-6, 1-6. However, the Bad Homburg Open presents a different challenge as it will be played on grass courts, unlike the clay surface in Madrid.
In doubles action, Eala will partner with former Grand Slam champion Venus Williams. The pair will take on Shuko Aoyama and Liang En-Shuo in the opening round.
Eala has been in impressive form in the Berlin Open, scoring victories over two Top 10 players—world No. 2 Elena Rybakina and world No. 8 Elina Svitolina.
She defeated Rybakina, 7-5, 6-4, and followed it up with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Svitolina.
“I think I’m getting better. I hope I’m getting better. Of course, being exposed to this level more often really pushes you to your limits and forces you to show what you’ve got,” Eala said after her big win over Svitolina in Berlin.
“Some weeks are better than others, and I am enjoying this week. So thank you everyone for coming on this ride with me.”
Eala has already secured €57,395 or around P4 million after advancing to the semis.
Her earnings could climb to €99,565 o over P6.8 million should she advance to the finals.
Eala faces Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic in the semifinals, scheduled at 8 p.m. Saturday (Manila time).
the 21-year old Pinay netter has also surged back into the Top 30 of the WTA live rankings.
Eala is currently ranked No. 35 in the official WTA standings. However, her impressive run in Berlin has lifted her five spots to No. 30 in the live rankings, boosting her chances of securing a seeded position at Wimbledon.
