Alex Eala surges to career-best world ranking at 157th

Photo from alex.eala/Instagram

“Who’s gonna tell her she’d be playing in Roland Garros on her birthday?”

This was the sentiment shared by Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala, reflecting on her near miss at the French Open main draw, coinciding with her 19th birthday.

“Came up the slightest bit short yesterday but will come out of it stronger with no doubt,” she expressed, acknowledging the outpouring of birthday wishes and congratulations. “Thank you for all the birthday wishes!”

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But right now, who’s going to tell her that she has ascended three spots in the world rankings, from world No. 160 to an impressive No. 157?

This significant jump marks a new career best for the young prodigy, signaling her undeniable talent and potential on the global stage.

Throughout the French Open qualifying draw in Paris, Eala showcased her grit and determination. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has not only earned her admiration but also propelled her towards greater heights in the competitive world of professional tennis.

She kicked off her French Open campaign in emphatic fashion, sweeping world No. 197 Ye-Xin Ma of China 6-1, 6-1. In the second round, the Rafa Nadal Academy student defeated 30th seed and world No. 137 Taylah Preston of Australia in a thrilling three-set match, ending with scores of 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, putting her just one win away from being the first Filipina to reach a Grand Slam main draw.

But despite her fighting spirit and unwavering drive, the 5-feet-9 left-handed 19-year-old netter fell to world No. 93 Argentina’s Julia Riera in a close 6-4, 6-7, 4-6 defeat.

In Madrid, Eala secured her biggest pro career win over world No. 41 Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine. It marked her first victory against a top 50 (active ranking) player in a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 1000 event.

Earlier this year, she also claimed a doubles title at the ITF W50 Pune in India, partnering with singles rival turned doubles partner Darja Semenistaja of Latvia.