Alex Eala Rises to Career-High WTA Rank of No. 70

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has achieved a new milestone in her career, climbing to No. 70 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings released Monday.

This marks the highest world ranking yet for the 19-year-old, who has been steadily ascending in the global tennis scene following strong showings at recent WTA1000 events.

Eala’s rise comes on the heels of a historic semifinal run at the Miami Open in March, where she stunned world No. 2 Iga Swiatek before bowing out in a hard-fought three-setter to Jessica Pegula.

“Her climb from No. 143 at the end of 2024 to the top 70 in just five months is a testament to her rapid development and competitive consistency,” said Philippine Tennis Association president Antonio Cablitas in a statement.

At the recently concluded Mutua Madrid Open, Eala advanced past Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova in the first round before facing Swiatek again, this time falling in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 2-6.

Despite the loss, the performance was enough to push her up two more spots from No. 72 — her previous best — to No. 70 as of May 5.

The promotion is expected to provide a confidence boost ahead of her campaign in the Italian Open, scheduled from May 6 to 18, and Roland Garros, which begins on May 25.

In Rome, Eala could potentially face familiar foes including Pegula and Madison Keys, both of whom were part of her dramatic Miami Open run.

Pegula ended Eala’s Miami campaign with a 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3 victory in the semifinals, but praised the Filipina’s fearless play, calling her “one of the most exciting young players to watch right now.”

Eala, who turns 20 on May 23, made Philippine tennis history by being the first from the country to break into the WTA Top 100 and to reach a semifinal at a WTA1000-level event.

The WTA rankings continue to be led by Aryna Sabalenka at No. 1, followed by Swiatek and American Coco Gauff in second and third, respectively.

Eala is projected to receive a PHP 3 million (approx.) earnings boost with her deeper tournament runs and enhanced rankings, based on WTA prize money distribution for players ranked in the top 75.

As her European clay season intensifies, Eala remains focused on gaining experience and capitalizing on momentum.

“It’s about staying hungry, learning from every match, and believing in the process,” she told reporters in Madrid after her exit.