Alex Eala reaches career-high No. 18 ranking amid US Open campaign

Filipino tennis star Alex Eala has reached a career-high WTA world ranking of No. 18, becoming the first Southeast Asian player to achieve this milestone. Her breakthrough season includes a WTA 500 title at the DC Open and a fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon.

Competing at the 2026 US Open, Eala has drawn significant attention both on and off the court. During a Stars of the Open exhibition match, she and friend Iva Jovic shared a lighthearted moment that included bringing their fathers onto the court. Eala’s rising profile has also caught the eye of fashion icon Anna Wintour, who praised her interest in the intersection of sports and style.

Eala’s commercial success is growing, highlighted by a new sponsorship deal with Panasonic Philippines. Looking ahead, she is scheduled to represent the Philippines at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Additionally, she will host a homecoming exhibition match against Indonesia’s Janice Tjen at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on December 8, 2026, an event expected to draw a massive crowd.