UP, UP AND AWAY: Eala rises to career-best ranking

The world ranking of Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala has soared to a best-ever No. 136.

Despite failing to make the grade for the main draw of the Australian Open, the Women’s Tennis Association still ranked her at No. 136 from the previous No. 138.

The Quezon City-born graduate of the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, was denied an entry into the Australian Open after absorbing a 5-7, 2-6 loss to No. 134 netter Jana Fett of Croatia in the first round of qualifying last week.

This is the third time Eala suffered an early exit in the first Grand Slam of the Year.

She first lost to Misaki Doi of Japan, 6-4, 6-7, 3-6, in 2023 and again in 2024 after a 2-6, 5-7 defeat against Rebecca Peterson of Sweden.

“Sadly, my run in this year’s Australian Open is much shorter than I’d hoped. Disappointed, to say the least, but that’s tennis — constantly falling down and picking yourself up, week by week, believing one day you’ll end up on top,” Eala posted.

“So much love for you Melbourne. I’ll be back.”

Now Eala will be joining various tournaments to boost her rankings and prepare for the French Open in June.

Eala became the first Filipino winner of a junior Grandslam when she won the US Open in 2022.

She also excels in doubles play and her first major title came at the 2020 Australian Open when she joined hands with Priska Madelyn Nugruho to bag the juniors plum.

She repeated the same feat in France the following year, this time partnering with Russian Oksana Selekhmeteva.