Alex Eala nears WTA Top 40, set for Indian Wells Open 

Alex Eala’s ascent on the women’s tour is starting to feel less like a hot streak and more like a steady climb toward tennis’ elite.

Barely a week after celebrating a career-best ranking of No. 45, the 20-year-old Filipina has already pushed her ceiling higher. With her run at the Abu Dhabi Open, Eala is now projected to crack the WTA top 40—sitting at No. 39 in the live rankings—another landmark moment in what has quickly become the most productive stretch of her young career.

The jump was fueled by a gritty campaign at the WTA 500 event in the UAE, where Eala held her own against experienced tour veterans and marched all the way to the quarterfinals. Her breakthrough performance wasn’t built on dominance alone, but on resilience—none more telling than her comeback win over Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

After dropping the opening set, Eala steadied herself and turned the match into a test of will, eventually prevailing 2–6, 6–4, 7–6 (5) in a gripping three-set duel at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre. It was the kind of victory that reveals growth beyond technique, demanding patience, belief, and nerve in the tightest moments.

That emotional toll wasn’t lost on Eala herself. She later posted on Instagram, “Survived this one, thanks guys:)” A few moments later, she put words to the experience in her own way, telling reporters, “Napasubok talaga yung tibay ng dibdib ko.”

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.

THANK YOU, ALEX

Alex Eala’s Abu Dhabi Open journey wraps up in the quarterfinals, finishing a hard-earned run against Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova after a competitive matchup, 3-6, 3-6.#AlexEala #MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen pic.twitter.com/qvWuKqjbDM

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) February 5, 2026

The Abu Dhabi run reinforced what her ranking surge already suggested: Eala is no longer just knocking on doors—she’s learning how to push through them. Competing deep into a WTA 500 draw, she showed she can endure long matches, manage pressure, and problem-solve against players who have spent years on the main tour.

Next on her calendar is another significant proving ground. Eala has been confirmed in the field for the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells from March 4 to 15, one of the sport’s premier WTA 1000 events and often dubbed the “fifth Grand Slam” for its depth and prestige.

The draw promises no shortage of challenges. Defending champion Mirra Andreeva, former winner Elena Rybakina, world No. 5 Coco Gauff, and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka are all expected to feature, underscoring the level of competition awaiting the Filipina tennis sensation.

For Eala, though, the timing feels right. Armed with confidence, momentum, and a ranking that continues to climb, she heads to Indian Wells not just as a promising prospect—but as a player increasingly comfortable on the game’s biggest stages.

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!