BREAKING NEWS: Alex Eala climbs to a new career-high No. 24 in the live WTA rankings

Her official ranking is already the highest ever achieved by a Filipino player in WTA history.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala has climbed to a new career-high of World No. 24 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) live rankings following her remarkable run at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open in Washington, D.C.

While Eala’s official WTA singles ranking remains at No. 28, her latest tournament performance has propelled her four places higher in the live rankings, putting her within striking distance of the world’s Top 20 once the rankings are officially updated.

The 21-year-old made history by reaching her first-ever WTA 500 final after defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, in the semifinals. It marked another milestone in what has been a breakthrough season for the Filipina, who has steadily risen through the world rankings with deep runs in several major tournaments.

Eala is set to face World No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the championship match, with the title carrying the possibility of pushing her into the world’s Top 20 for the first time in her career.

Her official singles ranking of No. 28 is already the highest ever achieved by a Filipino player in WTA history. In doubles, Eala is officially ranked No. 127 after reaching a career-best No. 88 earlier this year.

Eala’s continued rise caps a banner 2026 campaign that has established her as one of the fastest-rising young stars on the WTA Tour and strengthened her status as the Philippines’ highest-ranked tennis player of all time.

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