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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Alex Eala surges to career-high No. 49 in latest WTA rankings

Alex Eala surges to career-high No. 49 in latest WTA rankings

Published Jan 12, 2026 09:09 am

At A Glance

  • The 20-year-old Eala climbed four spots from No. 53 last week, fueled by her impressive run at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand where she reached the semifinals of the WTA 250 event.
Alex Eala cracks the Top 50 once again in the latest WTA rankings. (File Photo/ASB Classic)
Alex Eala cracks the Top 50 once again in the latest WTA rankings. (File Photo/ASB Classic)
Alex Eala reached another milestone in her rapidly blossoming career, surging to a career-high No. 49 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings released on Monday, Jan. 12.
The 20-year-old Eala climbed four spots from No. 53 last week, fueled by her impressive run at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand where she reached the semifinals of the WTA 250 event.
“Til my heart stops. So close yet so far. Thank you Auckland for the warmest hospitality to start the year. Truly felt the wairua,” Eala wrote in a social media post shortly after her stint.
She first broke into the Top 50 in November last year, landing at No. 50 after a Round of 16 finish at the Hong Kong Open.
It was a good morale boost for the Filipina tennis sensation ahead of the Australian Open late this month, where she will make a main draw debut in the said Grand Slam.
“The past year reminded me how powerful love, support and community can be. Now I’m excited for what this new year brings -- new goals to chase, new memories to create, and more meaningful moments to share with the people I love,” Eala wrote in a separate social media post.
Before the Australian Open, though, Eala is scheduled to see action at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne this week, where she will join 2024 Wimbledon semifinalist Donna Vekic, world No. 121 and local bet Priscilla Hon and multiple Grand Slam mixed doubles champion Daniela Hantuchova in the women’s competition.
The event, slated on Jan. 13 to 15 at the exclusive Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, is a professional tennis exhibition singles-only tournament with invited Association of Tennis Professionals and (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) players.
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