Alex Eala Soars to World No. 61 After Historic Win in Mexico

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by Misha Cruz

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala.
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala. Photo: Instagram.

Alex Eala continues to break barriers for Philippine tennis! After clinching her maiden WTA 125 crown at the Guadalajara Open, the 20-year-old Filipina has rocketed up the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, climbing 14 spots to settle at World No. 61 this week.

Eala entered the tournament ranked No. 75, but her fearless run in Mexico, capped by a thrilling comeback victory over Hungary’s Panna Udvardy (1-6, 7-5, 6-3), proved she’s ready to battle with the sport’s elite. The triumph also adds to her growing résumé, matching her steady rise toward a new career-high (her best so far is World No. 56).

Her milestone didn’t go unnoticed on the global stage. None other than Spanish legend Rafael Nadal, her mentor and idol, celebrated the win online.

“Congrats, Alex Eala, on your first WTA (trophy). I am happy and proud of what you are achieving for yourself and for the Philippines,” Nadal posted on X (formerly Twitter).

For Eala, this latest success is more than just a title — it’s a statement. She’s proving that Filipino athletes can shine on the world stage, and the tennis community is taking notice.

But there’s no time to rest. Eala is set to return to action this week at the Sao Paulo Open in Brazil, where she enters as the No. 3 seed. Ahead of her in the draw are home favorite Beatriz Haddad Maia (World No. 27) and Argentina’s Solana Sierra (World No. 82). With momentum on her side, Eala will be aiming to keep her hot streak alive and possibly crack even higher in the rankings.

Alex Eala.
Alex Eala. Photo: Instagram.

From ITF titles to junior Grand Slam glory, and now her first WTA 125 championship — Alex Eala’s journey is only getting started. And with every victory, she’s inspiring not just the next generation of Filipino tennis players, but the entire nation.