By Jester Matote
Alex Eala begins her quest to add another WTA title to her budding career. US Open (file photo)
MANILA—Fresh off her first WTA title in Mexico, Alex Eala begins a new chapter as the third seed in the inaugural WTA 250 São Paulo Open, where she faces French qualifier Yasmine Mansouri in the opening round early Wednesday (Philippine Time).
Eala, just 20 years old, soared to world no. 61 after capturing the Guadalajara 125 crown last week with a comeback win over Panna Udvardy, marking the first-ever WTA singles title for the Philippines.
Standing at five-feet-nine-inches, the left-hander has enjoyed a breakout season, highlighted by a Miami Open semifinal run, a grass-court final in Eastbourne, and her first Grand Slam main-draw win at the US Open.
Seeded third in São Paulo, Eala sits behind top seed Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil and second seed Solana Sierra of Argentina in the 32-player field.
Her projected path could see her meeting Julia Riera or Vitalia Diatchenko in the second round, with Leolia Jeanjean looming in the quarterfinals and Sierra in a potential semifinal clash.
Mansouri, 24, enters the main draw after surviving three qualifying matches, aiming to prove herself in only her second WTA-level appearance.
The Frenchwoman, who stands at 5'7, is currently ranked world no. 380, with a career-high of no. 215 achieved earlier this year.
She has collected five ITF singles titles on tour, but this marks one of the toughest tests of her career against a top-100 opponent.
Mansouri will bank on her strong serve and baseline power to disrupt Eala's rhythm, while the Filipina is expected to impose her aggressive shotmaking and late-game composure.
The match is scheduled for 9:00 PM Philippine Standard Time on the Quadra Central, the tournament's main court.
A win for Eala would not only sustain her momentum from Guadalajara but also add crucial points to her push for a top-50 ranking.
For Mansouri, the duel offers a chance to make a statement and showcase her potential against one of the fastest-rising young players on the tour.
The São Paulo Open marks the city's return to hosting top-flight women's tennis after 25 years, adding further significance to Eala's South American campaign.
