By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Alex Eala’s run at the 2026 French Open came to an early end after she and partner Victoria Mboko pulled out of the women’s doubles tournament ahead of their opening match.

Tournament organizers released an updated doubles draw that no longer included the Eala-Mboko tandem.

Taking their place were Leylah Fernandez and Diana Shnaider, who are now scheduled to face Oksana Selekhmeteva and Anastasia Zakharova.

No explanation has been announced regarding the withdrawal of Eala and Mboko from the doubles competition.

Eala had already bowed out of the singles tournament following a straight-set defeat to American teenager Iva Jovic, 6-4, 6-2, in the opening round on Tuesday evening, May 26 (Philippine time).

However, Mboko remains active in the singles draw and is set to continue her campaign against Czech veteran Katerina Siniakova in the second round.

The withdrawal ended what would have been the first Grand Slam doubles partnership between Eala and the rising Canadian star in Paris.

However, Eala is scheduled to compete next in the 83rd HSBC Championships WTA 500 at The Queen Club in London from June 8 to 14./ASC, WDJ