By Kristel Satumbaga
Alex Eala is still on Cloud 9 from her experience at the prestigious 2021 Miami Open last week.
In a recent social media post, the 15-year-old teen sensation shared her thoughts about debuting in the Women’s Tennis Association.
“I am still in awe of the Miami Open experience,” Eala wrote.
“Aside from it being my very first WTA tournament, I was able to practice with nine other WTA professionals.”
Those pro players include two-time Grand Slam semifinalist Coco Vandeweghe, 2020 US Open quarterfinalist Tsvetana Pironkova, world No. 58 Sara Sorribes, Madison Brengle, Oceane Dodin, Christina McHale, Mayar Sherif and Wang Xiyu.
Sherif, the first Egyptian female player to make it to the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament at the 2020 French Open, had nice words for Eala.
“Thank you for that, Alex. Keep up the good work,” the 24-year-old world No. 114 player wrote.
But the most memorable was her practice session with reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek, whom she had her picture taken with and posted on social media prior to her first round qualifying match.
“Thank you to all these inspiring players for making my first WTA a memorable one,” wrote Eala, who earned a wildcard berth in the elite tournament.
Unfortunately, Eala lost in the match against world No. 104 Viktoria Kuzmova of Slovakia, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Still, the experience both before and during the tournament is expected to boost Eala’s young and booming pro career especially when she competes in the W60 Bellinzona event in Switzerland next week.
Like in the Miami Open, Eala earned a wildcard berth in this $60,000 tournament.
