DON’T LOOK NOW, as Alex Eala’s Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) ranking appears to be on the rise once more, as she moved up two spots on Monday, setting a new career high for herself and the Philippines.
According to the most recent WTA rankings, Eala is currently ranked No. 73 in the world, marking yet another historic achievement after her finest performance to date at the 2025 WTA 1000 Miami Open.
Screenshot from: WTA Website
Entering the Miami tournament as a wild card and world No. 140, the 19-year-old sensation finished in 75th place, a remarkable semi-finals finish on her Cinderella run that captivated the world.
Before facing Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals, she defeated Grand Slam champions Jeļena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek.
Eala’s New Mission
While the climb was only due to player movements above her, Eala has proven herself worthy of it. She is now preparing to continue her journey throughout the clay season, trying to maintain the momentum she has gained.
The balloon of bliss should now be popped, and Eala must begin to regain her focus, as she will now embark on a hectic schedule, beginning on April 14 with the WTA125 event, Oerias Ladies Open in Portugal.
Come April 22, the Filipina star will compete in the Madrid Open, a WTA1000 tournament similar to the Miami Open. Following that, Eala will compete in another WTA125 event, the Catalonia Open, in Vic, Spain.
Another WTA1000 event awaits her in Rome on May 6, followed by another WTA125 event, the Parma Ladies Open in Parma, Italy on May 12, to round out one of her busiest summers.
The Climb Continues
In an interview with republicasia, veteran sports journalist and analyst Bill Velasco stated that Eala will only rise to greater heights if she can maintain her performance throughout the year.
“The big leap there would be kapag nag-top 50 na siya, kasi ang bibigat na talaga ng mga kalaban diyan. These are players that have played longer than her, or bigger, stronger, have a better all-around game,” Velasco said.
“Sa Miami Open she [Alex] was very aggressive, she’s quick to the ball, maganda ‘yon. But how can she pick apart opponents is going to be a thing at that level, kasi hindi mo na pwedeng sabihin na kaya mong pagurin ‘yung kalaban mo eh.”
“Remember, internationally, the summers diyan na ‘yung sunod-sunod na ‘yung mga tournaments. So let’s see how she fairs given that makakapasok na siya sa Grand Slam tournaments,” he added.
As Velasco stated, this is merely the tip of the iceberg for Eala. To continue her momentum as she faces another set of uphill battles, she must retain her work ethic and put in the same number of hours.
