‘New goals to chase’: Alex Eala reaches career-high world No. 49

MANILA, Philippines – Not even two weeks into 2026, Alex Eala already reached new heights.

Eala soared to a career-high world No. 49 in the WTA rankings on Monday, January 12, after a breakout run at the ASB Classic, where she reached the semifinal in Auckland, New Zealand. 

“This year is about being braver, dreaming bigger, loving harder, and doing more for the people and passions that matter most,” she wrote in an Instagram post. 

“The past year reminded me how powerful love, support, and community can be. Now, I’m excited for what this new year brings — new goals to chase, new memories to create, and more meaningful moments,” added Eala, who cracked the world top 50 for the first time in November last year.

Eala, who entered the year as the world No. 53, warded off numerous contenders in the Auckland tournament, including Paris Olympics silver medalist Donna Vecic of Crotia, Petra Macinko, and Magda Linette. 

However, she suffered a setback in her semifinal match, yielding to China’s Wang Xinyu after sustaining a back injury. 

Wang also made a big leap from No. 57 to No. 43 in the rankings following a final appearance in the ASB Classic. 

“Until my heart stops. So close yet so far,” Eala said after her tournament exit. “Thank you Auckland for the warmest hospitality to start the year. I truly felt the wairua.”

Eala now heads to Melbourne for the Kooyong Classic, an invitation-only, round-robin exhibition running from January 13 to 15.

In the tournament, Eala will face Vecic, Australian Priscilla Hon, and multi-time Grand Slam mixed doubles winner Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia. 

The event will serve as her final preparation for the Australian Open, where she will gain direct entry into the main draw by virtue of her top-50 ranking. 

Eala will compete in both the singles and doubles events at the Australian Open. It will be the 20-year-old sensation’s first appearance in the main draw of the year’s first Grand Slam, following her debut in the French Open, US Open, and Wimbledon last year. 

As a 13-year-old, Eala won the Australian Open junior doubles title with Indonesian Priska Madelyn Nugroho in 2020. 

The Filipino could also make an appearance in the Philippine Women’s Open, a WTA 125 event later this month, depending on her run in the Australian Open. – Rappler.com