Alex Eala Reacts to Historic WTA Ranking Ahead of US Open
Filipino tennis player Alex Eala has reached a career-high WTA ranking of No. 18, making her the highest-ranked Southeast Asian woman in history. This milestone follows a successful season that included a tournament victory at the Mubadala DC Open.
Why it matters
Eala's achievement marks a significant breakthrough for Southeast Asian representation in professional tennis, breaking long-standing regional records.
Alex Eala has found another reason to celebrate turning 18.
The 21-year-old Filipina climbed two places to a career-best No. 18 in the latest WTA singles rankings released Monday, Aug. 24. Eala marked the milestone with a clever Instagram Story set to Khalid’s “8TEEN.”
“Turned 18 twice in this lifetime,” Eala wrote over a screenshot of her updated WTA profile, adding a teary-eyed emoji.
The first time came on her 18th birthday in May 2023. The second arrived three years later, when a number beside her name confirmed just how rapidly she has ascended in professional tennis.
According to the official WTA rankings, Eala enters US Open week with 2,281 points. Her profile now lists matching numbers for her current position and career high: No. 18.
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