Eala set for French debut

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ Alex Eala faces an early test in her Grand Slam main draw debut Sunday when she meets previous tormentor Emiliana Arango of Colombia at the French Open.

The 20-year-old Eala is playing her best tennis as a pro, enjoying a career-best world ranking of No. 69 following magical run in this year’s Miami Open where she defeated Top 5 players Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek.

But Eala will have to contend with the world No. 88 Arango, who defeated the Filipino in the qualifiers of the 2024 Miami Open, if she wants to progress in the clay-court event.

Carlos Alcaraz begins his title defense against Japan’s Kei Nishikori Sunday as Swiatek faces a difficult route to a fourth successive Roland Garros title after a year-long trophy drought.

Jannik Sinner takes on home hope Arthur Rinderknech in the world number one’s first Grand Slam match since serving a three-month doping ban.

Alcaraz and Sinner have combined to win each of the last five men’s Grand Slam titles and are the two chief contenders again in Paris.

Novak Djokovic, who had not won a clay-court match this season before this week, starts his latest quest for a record-setting 25th major against American Mackenzie McDonald a day after turning 38.

Djokovic is seeded sixth in this year’s French Open.