The ascent continues for Alexandra “Alex” Eala, the Filipina tennis sensation. Fresh off a remarkable showing in Abu Dhabi, she’s reaching new heights in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, poised for even greater challenges ahead.
Eala now stands at No. 40 in the world for singles, a jump of five places from the previous week. Simultaneously, she’s broken into the Top 100 in doubles, claiming the No. 99 spot – a testament to her powerful performance in the highly competitive WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open.
This isn’t a sudden surge, but a consistent climb. Eala began the year at No. 49, steadily improving through productive tournaments across Asia and the Pacific. Each match, each victory, has fueled her upward trajectory.
In Abu Dhabi, she reached the singles quarterfinals and the doubles semifinals alongside Indonesian partner Janice Tjen. This run included a stunning victory over the formidable duo of Cristina Bucsa and Shuai Zhang, fresh from winning the Australian Open title.
Prior to Abu Dhabi, Eala showcased her talent closer to home, reaching the quarterfinals of the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open. She also advanced to the semifinals of the WTA 250 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, demonstrating her versatility on different surfaces.
Even a first-round exit at the Australian Open, her main draw debut in a Grand Slam, contributed to her ranking points. She’d already proven herself capable of qualifying for the US Open, French Open, and Wimbledon, completing her appearance in all four majors.
Adding to her momentum, Eala secured an exhibition title at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne, a victory that, while not reflected in the official WTA rankings, underscored her growing confidence and skill.
The stakes are high in Doha, where reaching the second round could propel Eala into the Top 30-35. Even an early loss would maintain her position within the Top 40-45, solidifying her status as a rising star.
Doha marks the beginning of a demanding schedule. Eala will continue to compete in the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai Tennis Championships, followed by appearances at the prestigious Indian Wells and Miami Open, each offering opportunities to further elevate her game and her ranking.
