Gone are the days when Alex Eala would compete in low-level tournaments or fight for slots in major meets.
Following her brief appearance at the Wimbledon Championships, Eala will return to action on 26 July when she displays her wares in the Canadian Open as world No. 54.
The tournament’s website released the player list last Wednesday with the top 68 of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings included in the main draw.
Eala is coming off an early exit in the women’s doubles as she and Eva Lys of Germany lost to Ingrid Martins of Brazil and Quinn Gleason of the United States, 4-6, 2-6, in the first round at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in London.
The 20-year-old Rafael Nadal Academy graduate also got the pink slip in women’s singles after a 6-3, 2-6, 1-6 loss to defending champion Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic in the first round.
While Eala might not have gotten the win in her second Grand Slam, it was still a dream come true for her as she was able to play on Centre Court.
“This match is my dream match, my dream debut,” Eala said.
“First Wimbledon main draw in Centre Court against the defending champion. It was such a pleasure for me to share the court with her.”
Eala will have a few days to rest before competing in her fourth WTA 1000 tournament of the year.
The Rafael Nadal Academy graduate previously competed in the Miami Open last March, the Madrid Open last April, and the Italian Open last May.
Eala will be joined by some of the best players in the world, like Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys and defending champion Jessica Pegula.
Also joining the Canadian Open are Eastbourne Open champion Maya Joint of Australia and Filipino-Canadian Leylah Fernandez.
Eala is expected to reach a new career-best No. 54 in the WTA rankings in the coming days.