Who is Leylah Fernandez? Former US Open finalist faces Alex Eala in Stuttgart

Alexandra “Alex” Eala is set to face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the Round of 32 of the Stuttgart Open, with the match expected to begin on Monday in Germany.

Fernandez, currently ranked World No. 25, reached a career-high ranking of No. 13 in 2022—just months after her breakthrough run to the finals of the 2021 US Open and a quarterfinal finish at the French Open.

The 21-year-old is the daughter of Filipino-Canadian Irene Exevea and has won five WTA titles in her career.

Fernandez heads into Stuttgart following a Round of 16 finish at the Charleston Open and a Round of 32 exit at the Miami Open.

Eala, ranked World No. 46, is also coming off a strong stretch, reaching the Round of 16 in both the Linz Open and the Miami Open.

The two have yet to meet in a singles match but previously faced off in doubles action at the Abu Dhabi Open. There, Eala teamed up with Janice Tjen to score a 7-5, 3-6, 10-6 win over Fernandez and Kristina Mladenovic.

—JKC, GMA News