The Filipino fans came out in full force for Eala’s breakthrough Miami Open run, where she reached the quarterfinals with victories over Jelena Ostapenko and Iga Swiatek. Facing off again last month at the Mutua Madrid Open, the Quezon City native led Swiatek by a set and a break, ultimately falling in three sets.
“I think, personally, I definitely prefer hard courts,” Eala told Tennis Channel on Monday. “That’s the surface I grew up on, although I’ve been spending time on clay from, obviously everything. From the junior tour you play a lot on clay, and now on the pro tour has its clay season. I like to think I’m comfortable on both, but still more comfortable with hard courts.”
The Rafael Nadal Academy alum has definitely spent plenty of time on clay, and looks to slide into her first clay swing by drawing inspiration from her idols.
