Alex Eala Slides in Live Rankings, Eyes Strong Comeback at US Open

New York - Filipina tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala continues to draw attention on the international tennis circuit, not only for her growing list of achievements but also for the expectations surrounding her career. Recently, the 20-year-old Globe Ambassador slipped in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) live rankings, a development that comes as she ramps up her preparations for the season’s final Grand Slam — the US Open.

According to the latest WTA live rankings, Eala dropped to No. 71, placing her just behind former doubles partner Renata Zarazua of Mexico and slightly ahead of American player Alycia Parks. However, the official WTA website reflected her position at No. 68 as of Monday, August 11, highlighting a minor discrepancy between live updates and the formal standings.

Despite the temporary slide, Eala remains focused on her training, knowing that the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping her season. She last saw action at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Canada, where she competed against some of the sport’s top talents. Though she did not advance to the later rounds, the experience proved invaluable as she sharpened her game ahead of tougher assignments.

The US Open, which kicks off on August 24 in New York, presents Eala with another chance to prove herself on the world stage. For the Filipina, the tournament carries both emotional and professional weight. It was on these very courts in 2022 where she etched her name in Philippine sports history by winning the US Open Girls’ Singles Championship, becoming the first Filipino to claim a Grand Slam junior singles crown.

That victory cemented her status as one of the brightest young stars in tennis and inspired a new generation of Filipino athletes.

Since then, Eala has been steadily transitioning from the junior ranks to the grueling world of professional tennis. The journey has not been without challenges. Competing at the highest level means facing seasoned opponents with years of experience, and results have sometimes been inconsistent. However, her persistence and discipline have kept her climbing the rankings, breaking into the Top 100 for the first time earlier this year — a historic milestone for Philippine tennis.

Beyond the US Open, Eala has a packed schedule. She is slated to compete in the Monterrey Open (Abierto GNP Seguros) in Mexico, which begins on Monday, followed by the Sao Paolo Open in Brazil after the Grand Slam. These tournaments will give her more opportunities to collect valuable ranking points and further test her skills against a diverse pool of international players.

For many Filipinos, Eala represents more than just a rising tennis star. She embodies the dreams of a nation that has long yearned for recognition in global tennis. Her victories on the court have brought pride to the Philippines, and even in moments of setback, her determination continues to inspire.

As the US Open draws near, all eyes will once again be on Alex Eala. With her talent, resilience, and the lessons learned from recent competitions, she is determined to bounce back stronger. Whether in victory or defeat, one thing remains certain — Eala is a trailblazer, and her journey is just beginning.