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There’s nonetheless no stopping Alex Eala because the Filipina tennis sensation scores one other profession breakthrough early within the 12 months
MANILA, Philippines – Not even two weeks into 2026, Alex Eala already reached new heights.
Eala soared to a career-high world No. 49 within the WTA rankings on Monday, January 12, after a breakout run on the ASB Traditional, the place she reached the semifinal in Auckland, New Zealand.
“This 12 months is about being braver, dreaming larger, loving more durable, and doing extra for the folks and passions that matter most,” she wrote in an Instagram publish.
“The previous 12 months jogged my memory how highly effective love, assist, and group may be. Now, I’m excited for what this new 12 months brings — new objectives to chase, new reminiscences to create, and extra significant moments,” added Eala, who cracked the world high 50 for the primary time in November final 12 months.
Eala, who entered the 12 months because the world No. 53, warded off quite a few contenders within the Auckland event, together with Paris Olympics silver medalist Donna Vecic of Crotia, Petra Macinko, and Magda Linette.
Nonetheless, she suffered a setback in her semifinal match, yielding to China’s Wang Xinyu after sustaining a again harm.
Wang additionally made an enormous leap from No. 57 to No. 43 within the rankings following a closing look within the ASB Traditional.
“Till my coronary heart stops. So shut but to date,” Eala stated after her event exit. “Thanks Auckland for the warmest hospitality to begin the 12 months. I actually felt the wairua.”
Eala now heads to Melbourne for the Kooyong Traditional, an invitation-only, round-robin exhibition operating from January 13 to fifteen.
Within the event, Eala will face Vecic, Australian Priscilla Hon, and multi-time Grand Slam blended doubles winner Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia.
The occasion will function her closing preparation for the Australian Open, the place she’s going to achieve direct entry into the primary draw by advantage of her top-50 rating.
Eala will compete in each the singles and doubles occasions on the Australian Open. It will likely be the 20-year-old sensation’s first look in the primary draw of the 12 months’s first Grand Slam, following her debut within the French Open, US Open, and Wimbledon final 12 months.
As a 13-year-old, Eala gained the Australian Open junior doubles title with Indonesian Priska Madelyn Nugroho in 2020.
The Filipino may additionally make an look within the Philippine Ladies’s Open, a WTA 125 occasion later this month, relying on her run within the Australian Open. – Rappler.com
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