Alex Eala rises to new career-high in world rankings

Metro Manila, Philippines — Alex Eala continued to move up in the Women's Tennis Association world rankings, achieving a new career-high even if she suffered an early exit in the Australian Open qualifying round last week.

The 19-year-old climbed two spots from No. 138 at the start of the year to No. 136.

Eala bowed to Croatia's Jana Fett, 7-5, 6-2, in the Australian Open qualifiers as an appearance in a Grand Slam main draw remained elusive for the Filipino ace.

This was Eala's third consecutive exit in the Australian Open.

“Sadly, my run in this year’s Australian Open is much shorter than I’d hoped. Disappointed to say the least, but that’s tennis - constantly falling down and picking yourself up, week by week, believing one day you’ll end up on top. So much love for you Melbourne. I’ll be back,” Eala wrote on her Instagram post.

The next chance for Eala to qualify in a Grand Slam main draw will be at the French Open set to run from May 25 to June 8.