SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – Fresh off the biggest triumph of her young career, Alexandra 'Alex' Eala is set to open her 2025 Sao Paolo Open campaign with a first-round match against France's Yasmine Mansouri this Wednesday. For the newly crowned WTA 125 Guadalajara Open champion, this match represents the first step in proving her recent success is not a peak, but a plateau from which to climb even higher.
Eala, the Filipina tennis ace who soared to a career-high World No. 61 following her title run in Mexico, will face World No. 380 Yasmine Mansouri. On paper, it’s a classic matchup between a tour-level mainstay and a qualifier fighting for a foothold. But for Eala, every match now carries a new weight of expectation.
Her victory in Guadalajara was more than just a title; it was a massive confidence booster and a validation of her relentless work. She didn't just win matches; she dominated, showcasing a potent blend of powerful groundstrokes, improved serve, and a champion's composure in crucial moments. That winning momentum is a currency every player seeks to protect, and Eala will be eager to spend it on a deep run in Sao Paolo.
Her opponent, Yasmine Mansouri, should not be overlooked. Qualifiers are often the most dangerous early-round opponents. They arrive battle-hardened, already accustomed to the court conditions and the pressure of competition. Having won three matches just to enter the main draw, Mansouri has nothing to lose and everything to gain by playing loose and aggressive tennis against a top seed.
However, the matchup heavily favors Eala’s current form. Mansouri will likely look to extend rallies and disrupt Eala’s rhythm. Eala’s objective will be clear: use her superior firepower and confidence to control points from the baseline, avoid unnecessary errors, and close out the match efficiently.
The first match after a breakthrough win is often a mental test. It’s about managing nerves, handling the new pressure of being the favorite, and avoiding a letdown. But with the confidence of a champion now in her arsenal, Eala is poised to show that her game has reached a new level of consistency.
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2025, at 9:00 PM Philippine Standard Time at the picturesque Parque Villa-Lobos in Sao Paolo. Filipino fans will be tuning in, hoping to see their tennis star convert her hard-earned confidence into another commanding victory.