Alexandra Eala will play her very first Australian Open main draw match this year, following her rise up the rankings in 2025.
Eala reached the quarter-finals of the ASB Classic to begin the year, which helped her reach a career ranking high of World No. 49.
The Filipina has never previously qualified for the Australian Open, having lost in the qualifying stages over the past two years.
Eala has found out her first round opponent at the Australian Open and her projected route looks incredibly tricky.
Alexandra Eala’s tough route at the Australian Open
Eala faces a difficult first round match against American Alycia Parks at the Australian Open, a player who has previously been ranked as high as world number 40 on the WTA Tour.
Should the 20-year-old find a way past the American, she will likely be rewarded with a tough second round match with Karolina Muchova.
The Czechia star has been as high as world number eight and is a former Grand Slam finalist at Roland Garros in 2023.
Which round can Alexandra Eala reach at the Australian Open?
Likely matches with Emma Navarro, as well as her former doubles partner Coco Gauff, could also be on the cards if she navigates far enough through the tournament.
Eala has also been drawn in the same side of the draw as Mirra Andreeva, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jasmine Paolini.
Alexandra Eala’s appearance at her home tournament could be on the cards
Eala’s lack of seeding at the Australian Open has given her an incredibly tough ride at the first Grand Slam of the year, but there could be a wrinkle of positivity for the 20-year-old.
The star has been given a wild card for the historic Philippine Women’s Open at the end of January, which is the first-ever WTA tournament to be held in Eala’s home country.
How high do you think Alexandra Eala’s ceiling is?
Eala can only play the tournament if she doesn’t reach the second round of the Australian Open, which is looking more likely thanks to her tough draw.
The star could suffer a disappointing early exit at the Grand Slam, but it would allow her to play the Manila tournament, where she would likely be one of the overwhelming favourites.
Donna Vekic is one of the biggest stars currently advertised for the Philippine Women’s Open, a player Eala has already beaten twice in 2026.
