Alex Eala rises to career-high world No 15 ranking after 'fairy tale' season ends in Hong Kong
Alex Eala is set for a rankings boost after her run to the final of the Hong Kong Open capped what she described as a “fairy tale" season. Eala, 21, struggled with a knee injury during her 6-3, 6-0 defeat to Claire Liu on Sunday, as she fell short in her bid to finish off her breakthrough 2026 with another title. The disappointment did not linger, though, with Eala quickly posting a picture of…
World No 15 Alex Eala's career-defining season concluded in a fairy tale ending at the Hong Kong Open. The 21-year-old Filipino tennis star finished runner-up in a gripping final against Claire Liu, but her disappointment was short-lived as she celebrated the season of her life. Eala, who battled through knee injury concerns, rose two spots in the WTA rankings following her Hong Kong triumph, thanks to the 103 points she earned during the tournament.
This marks her career-high ranking and her entry into the top 16 for the first time, a significant milestone that bodes well for her future prospects at the 2027 Australian Open. Eala's breakthrough season has been nothing short of remarkable, with a string of historic achievements for her native Philippines. In August, she claimed the title at the Mubadala DC Open, becoming the first player from the Philippines to do so.
Her impressive run included victories over top players like Zheng Qinwen, Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka, and Jessica Pegula, as well as a fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon. Eala's success has garnered her a loyal fan base in the Philippines, who admire her commitment to her country and her decision to prioritize the Asian Games over her WTA schedule, ultimately winning a bronze medal.
She has one more match left this year, a homecoming exhibition against Janice Tjen on December 8 in the Philippines, promising to cap off a fairy tale season.
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