Alexandra Eala wants to achieve something in tennis that has nothing to do with lifting trophies or being World No. 1.
Eala has been dealt a difficult task in Hong Kong, which will likely be the last tournament of a very impressive breakout season.
The 20-year-old is on the cusp of cracking the WTA Tour top 50 after a season that saw her win Grand Slam matches and produce a dream run at the Miami Open.
Ahead of the 2026 season, Eala has revealed what she wants to achieve in her career that has nothing to do with winning matches.
Alexandra Eala reveals unconventional career goal
Eala has proved something of a sensation in her home country of the Philippines and that’s something she wants to continue throughout her career.
The World No. 52 told Olympics.com that she has her eyes on winning Grand Slams and World No. 1, but there’s also a general goal she wants to achieve.
“If we’re talking about the big picture, is to be the best version of myself, and I cannot personally put a number on that right now – I don’t know, I’m trying to make it higher and higher obviously,” she said.
“But I think in regard to coming this far and everything, I take so much pride in this, the effect that I’ve noticed that I’ve had on inspiring a spark of tennis in my country, in Southeast Asia and hopefully wherever else it has,” Eala added.
The star was also sure to add that 2026 might not be her most successful year, as she plans to continue her growth throughout her career.
“But that’s not to say that (2026 is) going to be my peak. Because this is the best I can be now, but maybe I can be even better in the future,” she added.
“So maybe 2026, I’ll be the best Alex I can be then, but maybe 2027 will be even better. You never know, I don’t know – but yes.”
Eala will play Britain’s Katie Boulter in her first-round match at the Hong Kong Open on October 28.
Alexandra Eala reacts after Guangzhou Open semi-final defeat
Eala’s singles run in the Guangzhou Open ended in the first round to Claire Liu, but the 20-year-old had a successful stint in doubles.
The Filipino teamed with Nadia Kichenok, and the pair made it through to the semi-finals of the 250 event.
Taking to Instagram after their final four defeat, Eala wrote: “250 semis with Nadia Kichenok. Came up short today, but such a fun week!
“Thank you, Guangzhou,” the breakout star added. “One last push of the season – see you in Hong Kong.”
