Filipina tennis star Alexandra Eala has officially broken into the world’s Top 100, rising to a career-high No. 75 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) professional rankings released this week — a huge jump from her previous spot at No. 140 before the Miami Open. Eala first entered the WTA Top 1000 in 2021, a year after she turned professional as the COVID pandemic hit the world and stopped major tournaments. She has since steadily climbed the ranks.
The 19-year-old made headlines with her record-breaking performance at the 2025 Miami Open, defeating three Grand Slam champions to reach her first-ever WTA 1000 semifinal. This 65-spot leap is the biggest rise among the world’s Top 300 players in the latest WTA update.
The Women’s Tennis Association report on the latest ranking update on March 31 highlighted Eala as the biggest mover in the Top 200, saying:
“The biggest move in the Top 200 comes from the tournament’s breakout star, Alexandra Eala. The 19-year-old Filipina took down a series of Grand Slam champions — Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek — to reach her first career semifinal.”
Eala is now guaranteed a spot in the main draw of the 2025 French Open starting May 25, avoiding the qualifiers where she had previously faced early exits.
To show how rare this feat is, only one other player — Ana Sofia Sanchez of Mexico — made a bigger recent jump, but from a much lower rank of No. 374 to No. 294. Among the Top 100, the next biggest mover was Romania’s Anca Todoni, who rose 17 spots from No. 100 to No. 83.
WTA social media put the spotlight on Alex Eala’s career-high ranking:
The WTA added:
“Eala’s milestone isn’t just a personal one but a national one. She’s the first player from the Philippines ever to reach the Top 100. By now, she’s used to making history for her country.”
Miami Open champion Aryna Sabalenka kept her world No. 1 ranking, and so did the Grand Slam champions Eala defeated. Runner-up Jessica Pegula held at No. 4. Eala had fallen to Pegula in a hard-fought semifinal.
Eala shared her thoughts in an emotional post on social media:
“Wow, this year’s Miami Open has left me speechless and so full of emotion, mostly pride and gratitude. I’m proud of myself for pushing through those tough moments, as well as to have been able to make a statement for the Philippines in one of the biggest stages of tennis. Moreover, I’m thankful for all the positivity coming my way, and I pray that you all continue sending support through the highs and lows. Salamat sa lahat ng pagdadasal at magagandang mensahe🙏🫶🇵🇭
I recognize that these two weeks have opened the door to so many opportunities for me, but along with those opportunities come a whole new set of obstacles I will have to navigate through.
The real work starts now.”
Here is Alex Eala’s social media post along with pictures from the tournament:
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has nominated Alex Eala’s stunning Miami Open performance as one of the Best Moments in Miami, and fans around the world can help her win the recognition. To support Alex, sign up and cast your vote on the WTA website before fan voting closes on April 6. Let’s rally behind this proud Filipina and show the world the power of Filipino pride! Watch the official video and join the voting on WTA’s Facebook post.
With her Top 100 debut, Alex Eala continues to make history for Philippine tennis — showing the world that a Filipina can shine on the biggest stages.
Support Alex Eala and read more about her record-breaking journey on GoodNewsPilipinas.com.
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