Thursday, May 28Thursday, May 28Aryna Sabalenka storms into the second round of the French Open with a commanding victory, while Filipino tennis sensation Alexandra Eala continues to captivate global audiences despite her early-stage career.
Sabalenka, the world number one, overpowered Spain’s Jéssica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2, 6-1 in just 63 minutes, showcasing her trademark power and precision under the scorching Paris heat. The Belarusian’s performance underscored her dominance on clay, a surface where she has steadily improved her footwork and consistency . Reuters reports her victory as "quick and effective," with Sabalenka dictating play from the baseline and conceding just four games in the match .
Meanwhile, Alexandra Eala, the 21-year-old Filipino prodigy, remains a cultural phenomenon despite her lack of major tournament breakthroughs. Dubbed the "best tennis player the Philippines has ever produced," Eala draws crowds of expatriate fans to every event she enters, turning global tournaments into de facto home matches. Her aggressive, unorthodox style—honed on a makeshift basketbal court in Manila—has made her a fan favorite, with supporters describing her as a source of national pride. "We are a proud people," one Filipino spectator told *NRC*, reflecting the emotional investment in her career .
Eala’s next challenge—and potential clash with Sabalenka—remains unconfirmed, as neither player’s draw has progressed to a likely third-round meeting. However, her growing profile and Sabalenka’s relentless form set the stage for a high-stakes encounter should their paths cross in Paris. For now, Eala’s focus remains on building her resume, while Sabalenka eyes a deep run at Roland Garros, where she aims to add a second French Open title to her 2023 triumph.
21 jaar, Filippijns en razend populair: Alexandra Eala leerde tennissen op een basketbalveld (waar ze haar agressieve speelstijl aan te danken heeft) Veel grote successen kende ze nog niet maar de 21-jarige Alexandra Eala is al razend populair. Voor de nu al beste tennisser uit de Filippijnen ooit staan overal ter wereld fans in de rij. „We zijn een trots volk.
nrc · 2 days ago
Overal ter wereld komen Filippijnen naar hun landgenoot Alexandra Eala kijken, die tennis leerde op een basketbalveld (en daar haar agressieve speelstijl aan te danken heeft) Veel grote successen kende ze nog niet maar de 21-jarige Alexandra Eala is al razend populair. Voor de nu al beste tennisser uit de Filippijnen ooit staan overal ter wereld fans in de rij. „We zijn een trots volk.
nrc · 2 days ago
French Open 2026: Sabalenka shines, Osaka dazzles as Medvedev melts down in Paris heat World number one Aryna Sabalenka powered into the French Open second round in style as Naomi Osaka lit up Roland Garros with fashion flair, while sixth seed Daniil Medvedev suffered another early Paris exit on a sweltering day that tested players and fans alike.
france24 · 2 days ago
Jaime Faria avança para a segunda ronda em Roland Garros Português afastou o canadiano Denis Shapovalov em três sets. Jan-Lennard Struff é o adversário que se segue em Paris.
publico · 2 days ago
«Où est-ce quil faut se placer pour survivre ?» : à Roland-Garros, toutes les stratégies sont bonnes pour éviter de cuire Depuis le début de la quinzaine, la vague de chaleur déferle dans les allées du tournoi. Casquette, lunettes de soleil et crème solaire, le public assis dans les gradins tente de résister au cagnard, entre éventail et pauses fraîcheur.
liberation · 2 days ago
Medvedev stunned by wildcard Walton in French Open first round reut.rs/42XYaFP
bluesky bot · 2 days ago
Voor de Filippijnse Alexandra Eala is elk tennistoernooi een thuistoernooi Veel grote successen kende ze nog niet maar de 21-jarige Alexandra Eala is al razend populair. Voor de nu al beste tennisser uit de Filippijnen ooit staan overal ter wereld fans in de rij. „We zijn een trots volk.
nrc · 2 days ago
Sieg gegen Top-Ten-Spieler: Struff sorgt für Überraschung – Siegemund scheidet aus Jan-Lennard Struff sorgt für die erste große deutsche Überraschung in Paris. Laura Siegemund hingegen muss sich nach einem tollen Kampf in der Hitze geschlagen geben.
faz · 2 days ago
French teenager Moïse Kouamé underlines huge promise by beating Marin Cilic Home hopeful is youngest man to win in Paris since 1991Medvedev loses in five sets; Norrie out injuredThe real surprise here was that it took so long to come. Moïse Kouamé had expertly handled his nerves and high expectations to begin his first French Open main draw match on the front foot, he had demonstrated his enormous promise by playing so well, and he had paired his form with total self-assurance. Finally, with the 17-year-old up two sets to love and on his way to a perfect start, his 5,000-strong audience responded with an impromptu rendition of La Marseillaise.Their crooning provided the soundtrack for one of the statement wins of the tournament as Kouamé, the latest young star to command Frances attention, underlined his massive promise by spectacularly closing out his first grand slam match with a 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-1 win over the former US Open champion Marin Cilic. Kouamé is the youngest player to win a mens singles grand slam match since 2009 and the youngest at Roland Garros since 1991. Continue reading...
theguardian · 2 days ago
Frances Kouame becomes youngest male Grand Slam match-winner in 17 years At 17, Moise Kouame becomes the youngest winner of a Grand Slam match with French Open win against Marin Cilic.
aljazeera · 2 days ago
Quick and effective: Sabalenka races into French Open second round reut.rs/4dNCgdi
bluesky bot · 2 days ago
French Open: Sabalenka storms past Bouzas Maneiro, Gauff also cruises Aryna Sabalenka powered into the French Open second round, defying her world number 50 opponent and searing Paris heat.
aljazeera · 2 days ago