Filipinas tennis star Alex Eala, who has returned home to Manila for a short visit to her family, is now ranked no. 217 in the world.
The 17-year-old Eala fell three notches down this week from no. 214.
Eala dropped from the Women’s Tennis Association rankings after she got eased out of the 2023 Women’s Tennis Association Thailand Open last week.
Experienced netter Tatja Maria of Germany coasted to a 6-2, 6-2 win over Eala in the first round of the women’s singles at the True Arena in Hua Hin on Tuesday, last week
Maria, ranked No. 70 in the world, finished strong and only needed one hour and 14 minutes to dispatch her Filipina opponent.
Eala reached the qualifying round when she won over world No. 240 Kristina Dmitruk of Belarus and China’s Han Xinyun, ranked No. 84 in the world.
Last month, Eala made her debut in the qualifying draw of 2023 Australian Open and lost to Misaki Doi in a tight three-setter.
Eala said in her blog that she is taking her time to get in shape and fit for other tournaments that will earn her points, after the Australian and the Thailand Open.
“After Melbourne, I am planning to join the WTA 250 Thailand Open in Hua Hin, although it is quite difficult to nail down an exact schedule currently and much depends on how the next few weeks shape up,” said Eala.
