Former 15-time champ urges patience as Alex Eala navigates tough clay season

MANILA, Philippines — Former 15-time ATP champion Gred Rusedski said Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala will figure things out and turn the corner especially on the clay surface.

Eala has suffered three straight early exits in the clay season, bowing out at the Linz Open second round, Stuttgart Open first round, and Madrid Open second round.

Speaking at the 'Off Courts Cuts' podcast, Rusedski, 52, said the tough stretch is part of a learning process.

“Well, it’s the heavy hitters, it’s being on tour week in, week out. You are going to take some bruising losses,” said Rusedski.

“You look at the one she lost the week previous in Stuttgart against Leylah Fernandez, she pushed [Elena] Rybakina all the way. So the losses she takes are not bad losses, it’s sometimes the score lines at times."

A former top British player and world No. 4, Rusedski said fans need to be a little patient with Eala who will turn 21 years old on May 23.

“What I like is her resilience. If you’re a fan out there, just be a little patient; it might take a little bit longer for her," said Rusedski.

"She’s got a great team of people around her. She's going to find solutions. So, don’t get too discouraged.”

World No. 44 Eala finished her Madrid Open campaign with a 2-6, 1-6 round of 64 loss to No. 21 Elise Mertens.

Eala will continue her buildup for the French Open at the 1000 Italian Open set from May 5 to 17.

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