Alex Eala gets a significant jump in the latest WTA world rankings, up 16 places for a new career-high of world no. 31.
Alex Eala registered a new career-high ranking in the WTA, moving up 16 places to world no. 31 in the latest edition of the rankings released on Monday, February 23.
The 20-year-old previously ranked no. 47 last week, which was seven places down from her previous career-best of world no. 40.
The significant rise comes on the heels of Eala's quarterfinals run in the Dubai Tennis Championships, making up for her first-round exit in the Qatar Open.
In Dubai, Eala scored her third career win over a top-10 player, beating Jasmine Paolini in their Round of 32 matchup, 6-1, 7-6(5).
[RELATED: Alex Eala credits crowd support in upset of world no. 8 Jasmine Paolini in Dubai]
Eala’s new career-high also comes ahead of her impending main draw stints at Indian Wells and the Miami Open — another two WTA 1000 tournaments, continuing her trend of high-level competition.
Miami, in particular, stands out as the site of her WTA breakout performance. Last year, Eala made the semifinals and got her first two top-10 wins by taking down Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek.
But before her return stint at the Miami Open, Eala is set for the BNP Paribas Open which is scheduled for March 4-15.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.