Alexandra Eala’s preparations for the Australian Open have been stellar so far, after reaching the quarter-final of the ASB Classic and winning the Kooyong Classic.
Excitement is at an all-time high for Eala at the Australian Open as she enters the main draw of the Grand Slam for the first time.
The star has previously fallen at the qualifying stages in the last two years, but she’s earned a place thanks to her ranking inside the top 50.
Eala started her preparations at Melbourne Park by hitting with Coco Gauff, and she’s taken to social media to share a message with the world number three.
Alexandra Eala thanks Coco Gauff after hitting career milestone
Taking to Instagram, the Filipina shared a video of her practising with world number three Gauff on Rod Laver Arena.
Alongside the practice video, the 20-year-old wrote: “First time on Rod Laver Arena! Thank you, Coco Gauff.”
How high do you think Alexandra Eala’s ceiling is?
Gauff and Eala have been firm friends since the pair made their debut doubles partnership at the Italian Open.
Eala sent the American an Instagram DM asking to be her doubles partner, which Gauff surprisingly accepted.
The pair received a wild card at the clay court event and picked up two victories, before losing to eventual winners Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini.
How far can Alexandra Eala go at the Australian Open?
Eala’s lack of seeding at the Australian Open has meant that she’s been given an exceptionally tough draw at the Grand Slam.
Eala will likely be the favourite to beat Alycia Parks in the first round, but then she will likely have to defeat two top 20 players back-to-back in round two and three.
The 20-year-old will likely play Karolina Muchova and Emma Navarro in her next two matches if she keeps her Australian Open hopes alive.
Which round can Alexandra Eala reach at the Australian Open?
Should she get through those tough ties, then her next likely opponent is one of her best friends on the tour, Gauff.
The silver lining for Eala is that if she does not make the second week of the Australian Open, she will take part in the very first Philippine Women’s Open in Manila.
The historic WTA 125 event will take place between 26 and 31 January.
