Alexandra Eala enjoyed a breakout moment at the Miami Open in March and now gets a little help from her WTA peers.
Eala, 19, may have lost her first-round match at this week's Italian Open to Marta Kostyuk, but she remains an emerging talent on the WTA tour. Clay is not her favorite surface, a surprising fact since she trained at Rafael Nadal Academy.
She will have some growing pains adjusting to it and the pressure associated with having the limelight brightly shining upon her at tournaments for which she previously qualified and played under the radar.
It is fitting that young tennis players such as Marta Kostyuk, Coco Gauff, and Bianca Andreescu, who understand her journey, are offering her help and advice.
What Marta Kostyuk said to Alexandra Eala after their Italian Open match
Marta Kostyuk is only 22 years old. She understands how hard it is to go from success at the junior level to WTA wins. Kostyuk defeated Eala at the Italian Open on Wednesday, 6-0, 6-1. She admitted to thinking about Eala's struggle during the one-sided affair.
Kostyuk said it is so hard to be that young and try to win with a team of people who may or may not be the right ones for you. At the net immediately after the match, Kostyuk encouraged Eala to hang in there and enjoy the journey despite the inevitable rough patches.
Coco Gauff is playing doubles with Alexandra Eala at the Italian Open
Could there be a better boost of confidence for Eala than pairing with Coco Gauff to play doubles at the Italian Open? Gauff navigated the difficulties of rising in the sport at a younger age than Eala. Though she is only 21, Gauff is a great role model and mentor for Eala as she begins her WTA career.
In an era where doubles is not always must-see, you can bet that fans will pack the stadium to see Gauff and Eala on the same side of the net.
Bianca Andreescu contacted Alexandra Eala after the Miami Open
Bianca Andreescu, 24, a teenage Grand Slam champion, contacted Eala and Mirra Andreeva after their successes this year.
Andreescu is trying to pay it forward to be a good mentor and sounding board for young players, a luxury that she admits was not afforded to her, but she wishes it had been.
In an individual sport that can feel isolating at times, despite the teams of people surrounding these players, it is encouraging to hear the women helping their rising peers navigate the WTA landscape.