Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 22)— Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is gearing up for her first Miami Open stint, with reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek as her latest practice partner.
The Rafa Nadal Academy, where Eala currently trains, shared on its social media pages on Monday a photo of the 15 year-old together with Swiatek— who hails from Poland.
“Thanks for the practice [Iga Swiatek]! [Alex Eala] is ready for her first WTA Tournament!” wrote the Spain-based tennis academy, founded by 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.
The 19-year-old Swiatek made headlines last year after clinching her first grand slam title in Roland Garros in Paris.
Eala, who earlier logged a career-high world ranking of 736, was granted a wildcard slot in the tournament’s qualifying singles’ draw.
The 2021 Miami Open will run from Monday until April 4 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
