Alexandra Eala’s incredible rise up the WTA Tour rankings has earned her thousands of new tennis fans.
Eala’s Dubai run was ended by Coco Gauff, but she picked up impressive victories against Hailey Baptiste and Jasmine Paolini.
The star has proven to be one of the star attractions of the sport over the last few months, with thousands of fans flocking to see her in Melbourne, Abu Dhabi, and Manila.
After her incredible run of performances in 2026, she has received high praise from the Philippines ambassador.
Alexandra Eala called an ‘inspiration’ after her run in Dubai
Speaking to Gulf Today, the Philippines ambassador, Alfonso Ver, has heaped praise on the 20-year-old star.
“We are immensely proud of Alex Eala and her incredible string of victories here in the UAE,” he said after her quarter-final appearance.
“Her grit, humility, and passion have captured the heart and admiration of every Filipino. These wins are not just for her; but the entire Filipino nation and an inspiration that with dedication and faith, the Filipino spirit can shine anywhere in the world.”
What is the best win of Alexandra Eala’s career so far? 🤔
Iga Swiatek in Miami, Clara Tauson at the US Open, Jasmine Paolini in Dubai, or a different match?
Eala will next play Indian Wells for the first time in her career and she will be seeded at the WTA 1000 tournament.
The 20-year-old will then head to the Miami Open, which was the scene of her breakout tournament in 2025.
The star picked up victories against Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys, and Jelena Ostapenko, before her run was ended by Jessica Pegula.
Alexandra Eala told she is ‘exactly what tennis needs’
Eala is garnering praise from every corner as she sits on the cusp of the top 20 of the WTA Tour rankings for the first time.
Speaking on the Inside-In Tennis podcast, former tennis professional and broadcaster Nico Pereira explained why he is such a huge fan of Eala.
“This is exactly what tennis needs. Bring it on, you know, and and for her, she she travels with the and plays as a local every week. Why not, you know? Good on her.
What does Alexandra Eala need to improve in 2026 to challenge for a Grand Slam title?
“I think that’s just going to bring more people into tennis, particularly the the women’s game, and it’s I’m excited for them and for her in particular. A lot of pressure with that comes with that. She handles it well.”
Eala currently holds a 9-6 win loss record after her first tournaments of the season.
