Eala cracks WTA Top 50, marks career high after breakthrough year

No one would’ve thought that the pop-colored sneakers worn by the young Filipina on court would foreshadow her vibrant tennis journey this year.

After a stellar run in the international scene, Alex Eala notched her new career-best ranking of world No. 50, capping off a milestone-filled season highlighted by her maiden WTA 125 Guadalajara Open title.

Eala launched her breakthrough year after jumping off to a strong start, flashing multiple upsets during the Miami Open in March, where she became the first Filipino to reach the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event.

From there, the Filipina tennis ace broke into the WTA Top 100 while earning direct entries to Grand Slam events, before marking her first finals appearance at the Eastbourne Open.

Eala later returned to Asian courts with dominant performances across the WTA circuit, which ultimately pushed her closer to the coveted Top 50 ranking.

The battle-tested Filipina will now aim to surpass her 2022 SEA Games bronze medal finish as she gears up to represent the Philippines at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.