MANILA — Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra Eala has climbed to a career-high world No. 15 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles rankings, cementing her place among the world’s elite following a breakthrough 2026 season.
The Victorias City, Negros Occidental-native netter jumped two spots despite falling to American Claire Liu in Sunday’s Hong Kong Open final, marking another milestone in her rapid ascent in international tennis.
Eala’s rankings breakthrough capped a remarkable season highlighted by two WTA singles titles, eight quarterfinal appearances and her deepest Grand Slam run.
The Filipina captured the Birmingham Open championship in June before adding the DC Open crown in Washington in August, establishing herself as a formidable contender on the women’s professional circuit.
She also made significant strides in Grand Slam competition, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon and the third round of the US Open.
Her Wimbledon performance marked her best showing in a major tournament.
Eala’s consistency was equally impressive, winning 47 of her 73 singles matches while competing in all four Grand Slam tournaments for the first time in her career.
Her rise to world No. 15 reflects a season of sustained success against established international competitors, further strengthening her status as the Philippines’ leading tennis player.
Before closing her 2026 campaign, Eala is scheduled to face Indonesia’s Janice Tjen in a homecoming exhibition match on December 8 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
The exhibition will give Filipino tennis fans an opportunity to witness the country’s highest-ranked female tennis player in action following her historic season on the international circuit./PN
