Alex Eala walked out of the Foro Italico with her head high on Monday, taking plenty of positives from her hard‑fought loss to world No. 2 Elena Rybakina at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.
An hour after pushing the two‑time Grand Slam champion in a competitive 4–6, 3–6 duel, the 20‑year‑old Filipina said she was proud of the level she brought against one of the tour’s most dominant hitters.
“I’m happy with my performance. I was able to reach a good level of tennis,” Eala said. “I don’t think it was an easy win for her. Of course, there are still things to work on, but I think I’m on the right track.”
Eala matched Rybakina’s pace and power for long stretches, leaning on her own aggressive patterns to stay in the fight.
“She hits a really good ball. Being aggressive is really my game as well,” she said. “She’s almost two meters tall, so it’s difficult. But today I did what I could, and I’m happy.”
‘I really see the improvement on clay’
Eala pointed to several aspects of her game that clicked in Rome, particularly her movement and decision‑making on key points.
“I moved well today and I took my chances when I needed to,” she said. “I’m very happy with this week because I really do see the improvement on clay, especially compared to my experience here last year.”
Still, she acknowledged that Rybakina’s experience — and her ability to rack up free points — made the difference.
“There were very competitive games, but she has the capacity to win more free points,” Eala said. “She’s much more experienced than I am. She’s a Grand Slam champion and has been doing great consistently.”
With Roland Garros just two weeks away, Eala said she feels encouraged by her steady upward curve.
“It’s a long process, but my relationship with clay is getting better,” she said. “This was a good week and I hope there will be many more. I’m really positive about my progress.”
Coach Bosch: ‘Her best match on clay’
Nadal Academy coach Joan Bosch echoed her optimism, calling the performance a breakthrough.
“Today, I think she played her best match on clay,” Bosch said. “She competed the whole match. It was tough to return because she played against the best serve on tour, but I’m super happy with the way she played and the way she moved.”
He added that Eala created real opportunities in the second set and stayed competitive throughout.
Doubles run continues
Though her singles campaign has ended, Eala will remain in Rome after she and American partner Hailey Baptiste secured a late entry into the doubles draw as alternates. They face second seeds Taylor Townsend and Kateřina Siniaková.
“I’m super happy we got in as alternates,” Eala said. “We didn’t make the initial draw and were first out, so getting the news today was great. I’m happy to stay in Rome and have a couple more days playing at this level.”
