While the clay-court swing is in full flow, Alexandra Eala has already mapped out her grass-court schedule. After focusing on the Italian Open as preparation for Roland Garros, the Filipina star is confirmed for the Birmingham Open, which runs from June 1 to 7. Ranked number 42 at the time of entry, she joins a competitive field led by top seed Janice Tjen, alongside Alycia Parks, Tatjana Maria, Antonia Ruzic, Talia Gibson, and Beatriz Haddad Maia.
From clay to grass
The French Open later this month will mark the second Grand Slam of 2026, following Eala’s early exit at the Australian Open. Wimbledon quickly follows Roland Garros, scheduled from June 29 to July 12, making Birmingham an important stepping stone in her transition from clay to grass.
Breakout year and fan support
Eala’s rise has been fueled by her breakout season in 2025, highlighted by a Miami Open semifinal run as a wildcard. Her popularity continues to grow, with fans often emphasizing both her determination and the pride she brings to her country. One supporter explained: “Her fans are not tennis fans but countrymen who support their own. Please make that very clear!” (franciscaburong, The Tennis Gazette).
Grass-court record in 2025
Her 2025 grass campaign began at Birmingham, where she lost her opener but rebounded with a quarterfinal run at the Ilkley Open. She then reached the Nottingham main draw through qualifying, before saving her best for Eastbourne, where she advanced to the final after another qualifying effort, losing only to Maya Joint. Wimbledon proved tougher, as she fell in the first round against Barbora Krejcikova. Overall, she finished with 10 wins and five losses on grass, a record she will aim to improve this summer.
With her confirmed entry in Birmingham, Eala is set to balance clay ambitions with grass preparation. The coming weeks will test her ability to adapt quickly, as she seeks momentum before Wimbledon and the rest of the Grand Slam calendar.
WTA Rome - Alexandra Eala's projected path
Alexandra Eala in 2026
Now the world no.42, the Filipino played her last match on the 24th of April when she was defeated by world no.22 Elise Mertens 6-2 6-1 in the 2nd round in Madrid (draw).
At the moment, during this season the Filipino owns a composed 16-11 win-loss record. Alexandra Eala’s most significant performance of this season was getting to the semifinal in Auckland.
