Alex Eala sets new career-high WTA rank of No. 49

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has achieved a new milestone in her career, climbing to No. 49 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings released on Jan. 12, 2026.

This marks the highest world ranking yet for the 20-year-old, who has been steadily rising in the global tennis scene following strong showings in the recently concluded WTA 250 event and the last wave of tournaments last year in Hong Kong and China.

Eala’s rise comes on the heels of a semifinal finish at the ASB Classic tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, where she took down three opponents before bowing to Xinyu Wang in the Final Four.

The tennis phenom also had a convincing campaign in the doubles event, where she reached the semifinal round together with her partner, Iva Jovic of the U.S.

On Nov. 3, 2025, Eala became the WTA’s 50th-ranked player, 97 places higher than her previous ranking of No. 147 upon entering the 2025 playing calendar.

With the new feat, Eala made Philippine tennis history once again as the first Filipina to crack the top 50 in the WTA rankings.

The 2025 tournament season was Eala’s most fruitful year, highlighted by historic wins at the French Open, U.S. Open, and the most memorable one at the Miami Open.

Her most notable achievement was in Miami, where she took down three former Grand Slam queens: Iga Swiatek, Jelena Ostapenko, and Madison Keys.

In 2026, there is more in store for the Philippine pride, as she is set to redeem herself in all four Grand Slam events, with the Australian Open already nearing the midpoint of January.

Congratulations, Alex!