Alexandra Eala will resume her WTA campaign next week at the Wuhan Open, the season’s last WTA 1000 event, arriving as the world No. 18 after a year that has lifted the Filipino from outside the Top 50 into the Top 20.
The match
There is no first-round opponent listed yet for Eala in Wuhan, but the tournament gives her another major opportunity in the closing stretch of the season. Her rise has been built on a breakthrough year that began with a wild-card run to the Miami Open semifinals in March 2025.
The defining result came in Washington, D.C., where Eala captured her first tour title at WTA 500 level. She defeated Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula in consecutive matches on the way to the trophy.
Her season has also included difficult defeats: Alycia Parks beat her in the opening round in Melbourne, her clay-court campaign did not meet expectations, Iva Jovic edged her at the US Open, and Tatiana Prozorova—then ranked No. 180—beat her in Singapore.
Eala said those testing moments have become an important part of her development. Speaking on Maria Sharapova’s podcast, she said she had discovered her ability to endure uncomfortable situations, including the physical strain and nerves of tight matches.
“It is obviously easier to enjoy things when you are winning,” Eala said. “But lately I have almost been looking forward to those moments when I am out of breath or very nervous. I have learned to enjoy confronting them directly.”
Between tournaments, Eala has also had a demanding schedule away from the court, appearing at three New York Fashion Week shows and at Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2027 presentation during Paris Fashion Week.
