Alex Eala climbs to a career-best No. 88 in WTA doubles, rises to No. 42 in singles 

For Alex Eala, the latest WTA rankings update is another quiet but meaningful signal that her game is trending in the right direction. 

The 20-year-old Filipina has climbed to No. 42 in singles while also reaching a career-high No. 88 in doubles, positioning herself firmly among the tour’s rising names as the clay season intensifies.

Her two-spot jump in singles brings her within striking distance of the top 40, a familiar territory she continues to chase as she navigates one of the most demanding stretches of the season.

Eala’s rise comes on the heels of a second-round finish at the Madrid Open, where she bowed to world No. 21 Elise Mertens. Despite the loss, she walked away with 120 ranking points, bringing her total to 888—proof that even short runs can carry weight in a tightly contested field.

While her singles campaign continues to take shape, her doubles surge has been just as telling.

In just two weeks, Eala leaped from No. 101 to No. 88, surpassing her previous career-best of No. 99. Teaming up with Turkish partner Zeynep Sonmez in Madrid.

The duo advanced to the second round before exiting in the Round of 16 against eventual champions Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend.

Now, her attention shifts to Rome, where the stakes and expectations are higher. The Italian Open, scheduled from May 5 to 17, presents both a challenge and an opportunity. 

Last year, Eala’s campaign ended early with a first-round loss to Marta Kostyuk. This time, she arrives with more experience, improved ranking, and a growing belief that she belongs deeper in the draw.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

Alex Eala is now in Roma with Coach Joan for the Italian Open

internazionalibnlitalia pic.twitter.com/4qaVZJ0fsI

— Dyan Castillejo (@DYANCASTILLEJO) May 4, 2026

At the 2026 Italian Open in Rome, Eala enters a stacked WTA 1000 field featuring many of the world’s top-ranked players, making it one of the most competitive stops ahead of the French Open. 

For Eala, it represents more than just another draw—it’s a measuring ground against elite opposition and a chance to surpass her previous first-round exit. 

With her improved ranking securing her direct entry into the main draw, she is expected to face higher-ranked competition early, giving her an immediate opportunity to test her progress and potentially deliver a breakthrough performance on one of tennis’ biggest pre-Grand Slam stages.

Her performance in Rome will also shape her immediate schedule. A deep run could rule her out of the 6th Pharma Ladies Open in Parma (May 11–16), while also influencing her chances of entering the 40th Strasbourg Grand Prix (May 17–23)—two key tournaments that serve as stepping stones toward Roland Garros.

Earlier this year, she already tested herself at the Australian Open, gaining valuable experience that now feeds into her clay-court campaign.

As the clay swing unfolds, Eala’s steady climb suggests she is no longer just gaining experience—she’s positioning herself to contend.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!