Alex Eala reveals ‘long term’ rankings goal as she reflects on bringing Philippines to ‘international stage’

Alex Eala reveals ‘long term’ rankings goal as she reflects on bringing Philippines to ‘international stage’
Tennis star Alex Eala has opened up about her “long term” goal in tennis and reflected on her position as a tennis trailblazer ahead of her US Open debut.

World No 70 Eala has soared into prominence in 2025, following a stunning breakout run at the Miami Open earlier this year.

The Filipina defeated Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek on her way to the last four in Miami, cracking the top 100 as a result.

Eala has since gone on to reach a career-high of world No 56, which came after reaching her first WTA Tour final at the Eastbourne International.

However, the 20-year-old has her sights set on the very top of the WTA Rankings.

Speaking to Town & Country in a new interview, Eala revealed her desire to attain the world No 1 ranking during her career.

“Short term, I’m just trying to maintain this level that I’m on,” said Eala.

“I’m trying to take it week by week. Long term, I want to be number one in the world, but [that’s a] long way away. It’s important to dream big.”

Nadal has been a regular inspiration for Eala, and the 20-year-old went on to reveal how she took advantage to watch the tennis great in action.

“To be within proximity of Rafa, to be so close to him and see how close he trains… players from the Philippines would die for that opportunity,” added Eala. “You just have to make the most out of it.”

2025 has already seen Eala make plenty of tennis history, with the 20-year-old now the highest-ranked player ever to emerge from the Philippines.