Historic breakthrough: Alex Eala becomes first Filipina to enter WTA Top 100!

Dubai: In an exciting and historic achievement, Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has become the first-ever Filipina to break into the top 100 of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) rankings. With her remarkable rise, Eala now stands at No. 73—climbing two spots from No. 75—making a powerful statement to the world that the Philippines has arrived on the global tennis stage!

At just 19 years old, Eala’s surge in the rankings is a direct result of her outstanding performance in the 2025 Miami Open, where she pulled off stunning upsets against three Grand Slam champions—Iga Świątek, Madison Keys, and Jelena Ostapenko. Her run was cut short in the semifinals by world No. 4 Jessica Pegula, but the young star left a lasting impression on tennis fans worldwide.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Eala shared her reflections on her journey: “Wow, this year’s Miami Open has left me speechless and so full of emotion, mostly pride and gratitude. I’m proud of myself for pushing through those tough moments and to have been able to make a statement for the Philippines on one of the biggest stages of tennis.”

The Filipino community in Dubai is beaming with pride over Eala’s achievements, with many praising her resilience, talent, and determination. We caught up with some passionate supporters who shared their thoughts on this historic moment:

Alfred Paul Casareo, 40, a Dubai resident and tennis enthusiast, who had the chance to meet Alex Eala in person, couldn’t hide his admiration for the young tennis phenom: "As a tennis fan, I was incredibly proud of Eala's performance at the Miami Open. To beat three of the top players in the world? That’s no small feat! Her resilience was the key to her success, and without a doubt, she’s put the Philippines on the global tennis map. We're witnessing the rise of a future tennis superstar!"

But it’s not just Eala’s skill that stands out—Alfred admired her humility: "Even after her semifinal loss in Dubai last year, she took time to meet her fans and take photos. She always reminds us to stay humble, no matter how high you climb." Eala's down-to-earth attitude in the face of incredible achievements is as inspiring as her powerful game on the court!

With her momentum building and her rankings soaring, Eala’s future looks incredibly bright. Casareo is optimistic about her continued success: "I can see Eala breaking into the Top 10 in the next few years. We’ve seen her dominance in the Junior Tour, and now she’s making her mark on the WTA. She’s destined for greatness."

Aten Auro, 46, Assistant General Manager in Dubai, added: "I hadn’t followed tennis for years, but after seeing Eala’s incredible wins, especially beating some of the biggest names in tennis in straight sets, I’m hooked again. Her passion, grit, and drive are undeniable, and it's inspiring to see how she’s representing the Philippines on the world stage."

Auro continued: "What sets Eala apart is her unwavering family support. Her journey isn’t just about talent but also the solid foundation she has behind her. This is something many athletes in the Philippines lack—proper coaching and financial support. I believe Eala’s rise is the beginning of something big for Philippine tennis."

Alexis Suzanne Castro Borela, 29, a Project Coordinator born and raised in Dubai, believes Alex Eala is on the brink of greatness, but there’s always room for improvement: "Eala’s game during the Miami Open was flawless, but to break into the top 20, she needs to fully recover from her injury and focus on strengthening her muscles to prevent any recurrence. Additionally, boosting the power and accuracy of her serve would give her a huge advantage in big matches."

As a Filipino tennis player, Borela couldn’t be prouder of Eala’s achievements, especially on such a global stage: "It’s monumental for the entire Filipino tennis community. It feels like the moment we've all been waiting for!"

And when it comes to Eala’s impact on the future of Filipino tennis, Borela sees her rise as a game-changer: "Her success sends a powerful message of hope: if you keep working hard, anything is possible. Eala’s journey will inspire more tennis enthusiasts in the Philippines to push harder and believe in their own potential."

As the world watches Eala’s meteoric rise, one thing is clear: Alex Eala is not just representing the Philippines, she’s making history. Let’s keep supporting this incredible talent as she paves the way for a new era of Filipino tennis!