Alexandra Eala ready to disappear for a bit after breakout season comes to an end

HONG KONG – Alexandra Eala said she is looking forward to lying low for a while, after her breakout campaign ended on Nov 8 with a 6-3, 6-0 defeat by American Claire Liu in the Hong Kong Open final.

The 21-year-old, who became the highest-ranked Filipino and South-east Asian player in WTA history earlier this season, has become a fan favourite in 2026 and her run in Hong Kong will lift her to a career-high 15th in the world rankings.

Eala won her first WTA Tour-level title at the Washington Open in August and claimed seven wins over top-10 players across the year. She also won a bronze medal at the Asian Games in October.

“I didn’t know that was on the cards for me, to end the year at 15th,” she said after the Hong Kong final.

“This whole season, just to top it off with ending the year 15th, it’s like dreams are only dreams until they’re not.”

Asked what her goals were for 2027, Eala said she had not spent much time thinking about next season.

“I’ve been really enjoying the fruits of my labour of this year. Just because it’s been one (tournament) and then the other and then the other...

“I'm going to spend time with my family, just lay low, disappear for a little bit,” she added.