| ๐๐ถ๐ฎ ๐ฉ๐ท๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ด๐๐ถ๐น๐ฎ๐ฟ
Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala continued to break barriers on the global stage, reaching a new career-high world ranking of No. 56 after advancing to the final of the 2025 Eastbourne Open, the first-ever tour-level final appearance by a player from the Philippines.
Eala secured the historic feat with a hard-fought semifinal victory over Franceโs Varvara Gracheva, delivering a composed and fearless performance to win 7-5, 6-4 on Friday evening. The triumph not only booked her place in the championship match but also propelled her up the live WTA rankings, marking a major milestone in her young but rapidly rising career.
โIโm incredibly proud to represent the Philippines at this level,โ Eala said in a post-match interview. โItโs been an unbelievable week, and to make history here means everything to me and my team.โ
The 19-year-old, known as โAlexandra the Greatโ to her growing legion of fans, showcased her trademark aggressive baseline play and relentless court coverage, outlasting Gracheva in key pressure moments. Eala fired 23 winners and saved six of eight break points to seal the victory in just under two hours.
This remarkable run at Eastbourne solidifies Ealaโs status as one of Asiaโs brightest tennis prospects. Before this week, no Filipina had ever reached a WTA-level semifinal, let alone a final. With this achievement, Eala is now guaranteed to crack the Top 60 for the first time in her career, a significant leap from her previous best of No. 64.
Eala will face either Coco Gauff or Beatriz Haddad Maia in the final on Saturday, with a chance to capture her maiden WTA 500 title. Regardless of the result, her performance at Eastbourne marks a historic chapter for Philippine tennis.
โThis is only the beginning,โ Eala said. โIโm excited for whatโs ahead.โ
