MusaAlexandra “Alex” Eala, the rising Filipino tennis star, has officially withdrawn from the 2025 Cincinnati Open, the final WTA 1000 event before the US Open, due to a nagging left shoulder injury. The decision comes as a precaution to ensure she enters the final Grand Slam of the season fully fit and prepared.
Eala, currently ranked around world No. 65, was seeded into the main draw in Cincinnati but chose to step back after suffering discomfort in her left shoulder during her opening-round match at the Canadian Open in Montreal. In that match, she began strong, winning the first set 6‑3, but faded in the following sets to lose 1‑6, 2‑6. Reports indicated that her shoulder was taped during the entire match, signaling underlying concerns about her physical condition Wikipedia+8Philstar.com+8Facebook+8Bworld Online+1Women’s Tennis Association+1.
The WTA confirmed that Eala would not compete in Cincinnati, opting instead for rest and recovery ahead of the US Open, which begins August 24 in New York. With the US Open being a key milestone for her, especially as it marks her main-draw debut at the Grand Slam, prioritizing health was the strategic choice.
This season has been breakthrough level for Eala. Earlier in 2025, she made history with a stunning run to the Miami Open semifinals, beating several top players including Grand Slam champions. That performance propelled her into the WTA Top 100 for the first time in Philippine tennis history Wikipedia. She then reached her first WTA singles final at Eastbourne, cementing her rising profile.
Despite the disappointment in Montreal, Eala remains optimistic. She described the trip to Canada as “short but sweet” and expressed gratitude for the tournament experience while noting the importance of taking time to rest Wikipedia. Her decision to withdraw reflects a mature approach to her career—understanding that long-term health often outweighs short-term gains.
Mexico’s Renata Zarazua will take Eala’s spot in Cincinnati’s main draw. Meanwhile, Eala and her team are now fully focused on recovery. She plans to use the downtime to rehabilitate properly and prepare for her first-ever appearance in the US Open main draw—a moment she has looked forward to since breaking into the WTA circuit.
Eala’s fans and the Philippine sporting community continue to rally behind her. With her early exit in Montreal and subsequent withdrawal, expectations may have been temporarily dampened—but her career trajectory remains upward. At just 20 years old, she has already broken national records, made waves on the big stage, and shown the type of resilience that defines elite athletes.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on how she recovers in the coming weeks. If she returns fit and in form, Alex Eala could well continue her historic journey at the US Open, further establishing herself among tennis’s emerging global stars.
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John Owolabi
