Alex Eala’s Historic Rise in Tennis Continues with South American Victory

SP Open, Brazil – Alexandra “Alex” Eala, the 20-year-old tennis sensation from the Philippines, continues to make headlines as she extends her winning streak to six matches with a dominant 6-0, 6-2 victory over France’s Yasmine Mansouri at the SP Open. The win solidifies Eala’s impressive form and boosts her ranking following her recent success at the Guadalajara 125 Open.

In her post-match comments, Eala expressed her joy about playing in Brazil, noting that it was her first time in South America. “This is my first time in Brazil and my first time in South America, actually,” she said. Eala broke serve three times in the first set and twice in the second, showcasing her formidable skills on the court.

As a third-seeded player, Eala received unexpected support from the crowd, admitting she “didn’t expect so many people to come out and watch me play.” Her performance at the SP Open marks the first top-level women’s tournament in Brazil since 2016, and Eala appears to treat it as her personal playground, continuing to defy expectations.

After her victory in Brazil, Eala climbed to No. 59 in the live rankings, inching closer to her career high of No. 56. A potential match against Argentina’s María José Riera, ranked No. 188, presents her an opportunity to surge further up the rankings. Should she advance to the final, she could potentially break into the Top 50.

Throughout the year, Eala has methodically checked off historic accomplishments, including being the first Filipino player to win a Grand Slam match at the 2023 Australian Open, and reaching the semifinals at the Miami Open where she defeated three Grand Slam champions.

Eala reflects on her remarkable journey, saying, “I feel so blessed now and it’s so difficult to grasp sometimes, because there are 115 million Filipinos, and I am the first tennis player in history.” Her remarkable ascent is a testament not only to her talent but also to her resilience under pressure.

As she looks ahead in the SP Open, a potential quarterfinal matchup with Janice Tjen and a projected semifinal against second-seed Solana Sierra stand in her way. Should Eala navigate these challenges, she may find herself in her second WTA Tour-level final, further solidifying her status as one of the brightest young talents in tennis.

With her historic performance and growing reputation, Eala has begun to capture the attention of the tennis world. The young sensation is on a trajectory to redefine what is possible for Filipino athletes in the sport.