Alexandra Eala snuck into the Women’s Stuttgart Open, but the Filipina star might be regretting that decision.
The WTA 500 event features a stacked entry list, despite Aryna Sabalenka’s withdrawal from the German event.
Eala is looking to build momentum on the clay ahead of a busy schedule, which features two Masters events and Roland Garros.
The star’s draw for the Women’s Stuttgart Open could arguably not be worse, with several tough games to come.
Alexandra Eala’s tough Stuttgart Open draw
Eala will play a first round match against former Grand Slam finalist Leylah Fernandez in the first round of the Stuttgart Open.
The 20-year-old has also been drawn in the same half of the draw as Jasmine Paolini, Iga Swiatek, and number one seed Elena Rybakina.
What is the best win of Alexandra Eala’s career so far? 🤔
Iga Swiatek in Miami, Clara Tauson at the US Open, Jasmine Paolini in Dubai, or a different match?
To reach the semi-finals, Eala will likely need to beat Paolini, Rybakina, and Swiatek in succession, which would not feel out of place at the latter stages of a Grand Slam.
Fernandez is currently ranked 20 places above Eala, so the Filipina star can count herself unlucky to land such a tough first round match.
Eala has never played the Stuttgart Open, and it would not be unsurprising if her time in the tournament lasts just one match.
What Leylah Fernandez said about Alexandra Eala earlier this year
Fernandez and Eala are two of the brightest prospects on the WTA Tour and their first time meeting will surely attract plenty of fans in Stuttgart.
Speaking about Eala earlier this season, Fernandez was full of praise for arguably the most popular star on the WTA Tour right.
Will Alex Eala ever win a Grand Slam title?
Fernandez admitted: “Alex is an amazing player. Earlier this year, I didn’t get the chance to really talk to her, but we always cross paths. We always say hi.”
Their first round match is set to take place on the 13th April, with the order of play yet to be confirmed.
