The Alexandra Eala paradox
Alexandra Eala has the most wins over top-10 players among under-21s in 2026, with a 5-2 record. At the same time, the Filipina is going through a difficult spell due to fatigue and a packed schedule ahead of the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan.
In 2026, Eala established herself as one of the most promising young players in women’s tennis. Her 5-2 record against the world’s top 10 puts her ahead of her main under-21 rivals: Canada’s Victoria Mboko also has five top-10 wins, but from nine matches, Czech Linda Noskova is 3-3, and world No. 5 Mirra Andreeva is 1-2.
The Filipina made an impressive leap this year, starting the season ranked 140th and climbing to a career-high 16th, helped by her title at the WTA 125 event in Birmingham in June.
However, her form has dipped since the US Open. Having played more than 62 matches this year, a figure surpassed only by Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina, fatigue has taken its toll, and Eala suffered early defeats to Iva Jović at the US Open and Tatiana Prozorova in Singapore. Her chances of qualifying for the WTA Finals are minimal.
After winning a bronze medal at the Asian Games, Eala heads to Wuhan in search of her first main-draw win at the tournament. She was drawn against home player Han Shi in the first round, who came through qualifying with wins over Peyton Stearns and Kamilla Rakhimova. It will be their first career meeting, and a chance for Eala to end her poor run.
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