Alex Eala is expected to bring her brief experience at the 2021 Miami Open in the W60 Bellinzona tournament next month in Switzerland.
The Swiss outdoor claycourt event, staking a total prize money of $60,000, is the biggest International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournament that Eala would be seeing action following stints in $15,000 and $25,000 events.
It is set April 5 to 11.
Among those in the main draw direct acceptance list are world No. 99 Ana Bogdan of Romania and world No. 104 Viktoria Kuzmova of Slovakia– the same player that beat her in the first round qualifying of the Miami Open.
Eala, only 15 and in her first Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament, was still impressive despite the defeat last Tuesday, March 23. A wildcard entry in the qualifying, the Filipina took a set off Kuzmova before yielding, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
In an online interview, Eala said her stint in Miami gave her a glimpse of “how professionals step up and do even better in moments where a junior would choke or do a double fault.”
She was also able to learn a thing or two from reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek of Poland, whom she shared a practice session prior to her match.
Eala, ranked No. 736, hopes to make an impact in the Swiss tournament as she aims for her second pro title since winning the W15 Manacor event in January.