Alex Eala is hoping to use the Strasbourg Grand Prix as a springboard heading into her campaign at French Open later this month.

Eala has yet to find her rhythm in the clay-court swing, most recently bowing out in the Round of 32 of the Italian Open following a loss to world No. 2 Elena Rybakina last Sunday.

The Strasbourg meet, set on May 17 in Strasbourg, is a WTA 500 tournament featuring a loaded field. In the qualifying draw alone, Eala will be up against a talented cast that includes 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, two-time Grand Slam winner Barbora Krejcikova, three-time Grand Slam doubles champion Zhang Shuai, and world No. 1 doubles player Katerina Siniakova, among others.

In an interview with the Tennis Channel, the 20-year-old lefty said she is still adapting to playing at a tour level on clay. So far, she has won four matches and lost three through tournaments in Linz, Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome.

“Of course I’m starting to build that relationship (with clay), especially at this level,” said Eala, who grew up and trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy.

“I competed on clay many times growing up. But playing as a professional obviously is a different game. This is my first season where I’ve really done these high-level tournaments,” she added.

Eala said she understands that progress takes time, but remains confident in the work she and her team have put in.

“I’m finding my footing and I know that I can do well. I’m a much better player physically and mentally than I was last year and we’ve really been working hard, my team and I. And hopefully the things we’ve been working on will reflect more on my game.”