MusaFilipina tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala has slipped to World No. 68 in the latest WTA rankings as she heads into the 2025 US Open. The drop comes after a challenging stretch that saw her bow out in the first round of the Canadian Open and withdraw from the Cincinnati Open due to a shoulder injury.
The 19-year-old, who just months ago reached a career-high ranking of No. 56, has been one of Asia’s fastest-rising players on the WTA Tour. But the intense calendar, combined with the physical toll of back-to-back tournaments, has tested her resilience ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season.
Canadian Open Exit and Cincinnati Withdrawal
Eala’s Canadian Open campaign ended earlier than expected after she was defeated by a seasoned Czech opponent in straight sets. While the loss meant a significant drop in points, it was the subsequent withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open that sealed her ranking slide.
The shoulder injury, which she has been managing for weeks, prompted her team to prioritize recovery over risking a more serious setback. This cautious move means she will enter the US Open without match play in the two weeks leading up to the event.
Perspective on the Ranking Drop
Falling from No. 65 to No. 68 might not appear drastic on paper, but in the tightly packed rankings zone, every position matters for main draw entries and seedings. Staying inside the top 70 ensures Eala continues to gain direct entry into most major WTA events without having to go through qualifying.
Her performance in New York will be pivotal. A deep run could help her regain lost ground and possibly push her back toward her career-best position. Conversely, an early exit could see her drop further as she defends ranking points from her late-season results in 2024.
Eyes on the US Open
The US Open holds special meaning for Eala. She has expressed that playing in New York feels like stepping onto one of the sport’s biggest stages, and the high-energy atmosphere fuels her competitive spirit. This year, the challenge will be balancing her aggressive baseline game with careful management of her shoulder.
Training sessions leading up to the Slam will focus on improving serve consistency and building match endurance—two areas she has been fine-tuning throughout the 2025 season.
The Road Ahead
Despite the minor setback, Alex Eala’s trajectory remains upward. At just 19, she has already broken into the top 60, captured multiple ITF titles, and proven she can hold her own against higher-ranked opponents on the WTA Tour. Her ability to adapt quickly, combined with a growing mental toughness, will be key in her pursuit of higher rankings.
If she can stay healthy and deliver a strong performance in New York, Eala has every chance of finishing the year inside the top 50—a milestone that would solidify her status as one of tennis’s most promising young stars.
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