Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has slipped three spots in the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, moving from World No. 65 to No. 68. The update comes just weeks before the 2025 US Open, where Eala will be aiming to regain momentum after a challenging stretch in her season.
At just 19 years old, Eala has already established herself as one of the brightest young stars in women’s tennis. She reached a career-high ranking of No. 56 earlier this year, a milestone that reflected her consistent results on tour. But tennis is an unforgiving sport—one bad week can see a player lose valuable points and slide in the standings, especially in the competitive range of the Top 100.
Recent Tournament Struggles
Eala’s most recent tournament appearance was at the Canadian Open, where she suffered a first-round exit against a strong Czech opponent. The loss was disappointing, not only because it ended her campaign early but also because it cost her crucial ranking points.
Compounding the setback, Eala was forced to withdraw from the Cincinnati Open due to a shoulder injury. While the decision was made to protect her long-term health, it also meant missing out on match experience and ranking opportunities in the build-up to the US Open.
Why the Rankings Drop Matters
Although a move from No. 65 to No. 68 might appear small, it’s significant in the WTA’s middle ranks. Players in this range are often separated by just a handful of points, meaning that even a single win or loss can shift positions dramatically.
Eala’s current standing still guarantees her direct entry into most main draws, including all four Grand Slam events. However, climbing back inside the Top 60 would be beneficial—it could improve her seeding at certain tournaments, potentially allowing her to avoid early matchups against the sport’s elite.
Eyes on the US Open
The US Open has always been a special tournament for Alex Eala. Known for her aggressive baseline play and fearless approach, she has shown she can handle the high-pressure atmosphere of New York. This year, her preparation will focus heavily on recovering from her shoulder injury while fine-tuning her serve and movement.
Given the fast-paced hard courts at Flushing Meadows, Eala’s quick footwork and ability to take the ball early could be key to scoring big wins. A deep run at the US Open could not only boost her ranking but also help rebuild her confidence after recent challenges.
The Bigger Picture
Despite the rankings dip, Eala remains one of the most promising talents in women’s tennis. At 19, she has years of growth ahead and has already proven she can compete with—and beat—higher-ranked players. Her resilience, adaptability, and hunger to improve suggest that this temporary setback will only make her stronger.
A strong performance in the upcoming Grand Slam could easily propel her back toward her career-best ranking, and perhaps even closer to her ultimate goal of breaking into the Top 50. For now, Eala and her team will be focused on smart preparation, injury management, and bringing her best tennis to the sport’s biggest stage.