Alex Eala faces Tereza Valentova of Czechia to kick off Japan Women’s Open campaign

Alexandra “Alex” Eala is set to face Tereza Valentova of Czechia as she begins her campaign in the Japan Women’s Open.

Eala will open her run on Tuesday afternoon.

This marks her return to competition after a brief break, following her early exit in the Wuhan Open qualifiers, where she lost to Moyuka Uchijima in the first round.

Who is Tereza Valentova?

Valentova earned her spot in the Japan Women’s Open main draw through the qualifiers, defeating Alina Charaeva and Eala’s former opponent Greet Minnen along the way.

The 18-year-old Czech currently holds a WTA ranking of No. 78, just slightly down from her career-high of No. 75 reached three weeks ago.

Like Eala, Valentova reached the second round of the US Open before falling to Elena Rybakina. She also advanced to the second round of Roland Garros, where she lost to Coco Gauff, 2–6, 4–6.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News