MusaFilipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has dropped three spots in the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, slipping from World No. 65 to No. 68. The minor slide comes just weeks before the 2025 US Open, where she hopes to make a strong statement on one of tennis’s grandest stages.
At just 19 years old, Eala has been climbing the rankings at a steady pace, reaching a career-high of No. 56 earlier this season. However, recent results—including an early exit from the Canadian Open and her withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open due to a shoulder injury—have slowed her upward momentum.
Recent Performance and Setbacks
Eala’s Canadian Open campaign ended in the first round after facing a tough opponent from the Czech Republic. The straight-sets loss not only cut her tournament run short but also cost her valuable ranking points.
Following the defeat, the young star announced she would be pulling out of the Cincinnati Open. The decision was made after consulting her coaching and medical team, who advised rest to prevent her shoulder injury from worsening. While the move protects her long-term health, it also means she enters the US Open without competitive match play in the immediate lead-up.
Understanding the Ranking Drop
While a three-spot fall in the rankings might not seem significant, it reflects the highly competitive nature of the WTA Tour. In the ranking zone between World No. 50 and No. 80, players are often separated by just a handful of points, making every match crucial.
Eala’s current position still ensures she gains direct entry into most WTA tournaments, including Grand Slams, without having to go through qualifying rounds. However, climbing back into the top 60 would improve her seeding prospects and help her avoid early clashes with the sport’s biggest names.
Focus on the US Open
The US Open has always been a special tournament for Eala. Known for her aggressive baseline style and composure under pressure, she has shown that she can thrive on the fast hard courts of New York. This year, her focus will be on managing her shoulder injury while maintaining the power and precision that define her game.
Her training camp before the Slam will emphasize serve consistency, movement efficiency, and match endurance—key factors that could determine how deep she goes in the draw.
Looking Ahead
Despite the rankings dip, Alex Eala’s career trajectory remains promising. She has already proven that she can compete with higher-ranked opponents, and at 19, time is firmly on her side. A strong performance in New York could not only reverse her recent rankings slide but also propel her toward her year-end goal of breaking into the top 50.
With her talent, discipline, and growing experience on the WTA Tour, Eala continues to be one of the brightest hopes for Philippine tennis on the global stage.
dam
Musa
