Tennis: Alex Eala makes history, soars to No.75 in WTA world rankings
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Tennis: Alex Eala makes history, soars to No.75 in WTA world rankings
Rom Anzures,
ABS-CBN News
Published Mar 31, 2025 03:51 PM PHT

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines reacts at match point after defeating Iga Swiatek of Poland on Day 9 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Al Bello, Getty Images/AFP

MANILA — Alex Eala made history for the Philippines following her semifinals campaign in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Miami Open last week.
After defeating three Grand Slam champions en route to taking world no.4 Jessia Pegula to the limit in the semis, the 19-year-old is now at no.75 in the WTA Rankings — the highest rank ever for a Filipino.
“I’m proud of myself for pushing through those tough moments, as well as to have been able to make a statement for the Philippines in one of the biggest stages of tennis,” said Eala in a social media post.
Entering the tournament via wild card, and with her previous career-best of rank no. 134, Eala defeated USA’s Katie Volynets in the Round of 128, and world no.25 Katie Volynets in the Round of 64.
She then went on to slay Grand Slam champs, former French Open champ Jelena Ostapenko, reigning Australian Open champ Madison Keys, and world no. 2 Iga Swiatek in the following rounds. This allowed the Filipina star to reach the semis, also a breakthrough for the Philippines.
And while her dream run in the Miami Open was eventually ended by Pegula after her 6-7, 7-5, 3-6 loss, Eala’s inspiring run in the tourney allowed her to reach the WTA’s Top 75.
Following this development, Eala is expected to get a spot in the main draws of the next WTA tournaments, as well as a spot in the remaining Grand Slams this year.
MANILA — Alex Eala made history for the Philippines following her semifinals campaign in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Miami Open last week.
After defeating three Grand Slam champions en route to taking world no.4 Jessia Pegula to the limit in the semis, the 19-year-old is now at no.75 in the WTA Rankings — the highest rank ever for a Filipino.
“I’m proud of myself for pushing through those tough moments, as well as to have been able to make a statement for the Philippines in one of the biggest stages of tennis,” said Eala in a social media post.
Entering the tournament via wild card, and with her previous career-best of rank no. 134, Eala defeated USA’s Katie Volynets in the Round of 128, and world no.25 Katie Volynets in the Round of 64.
She then went on to slay Grand Slam champs, former French Open champ Jelena Ostapenko, reigning Australian Open champ Madison Keys, and world no. 2 Iga Swiatek in the following rounds. This allowed the Filipina star to reach the semis, also a breakthrough for the Philippines.
And while her dream run in the Miami Open was eventually ended by Pegula after her 6-7, 7-5, 3-6 loss, Eala’s inspiring run in the tourney allowed her to reach the WTA’s Top 75.
Following this development, Eala is expected to get a spot in the main draws of the next WTA tournaments, as well as a spot in the remaining Grand Slams this year.
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