Filipina tennis star Alex Eala reached a new career high in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, landing in no. 662, after a great stint at the W60 Bellinzona last week.

The 15-year old was previously ranked no. 715 and is just a couple of months removed from breaking into the top 1000. Now on her second year of competing in the women’s tour, the youngster from Quezon City has already had a hectic 2021, having already played in nine pro competitions including the $60,000 tournament in Switzerland last week where she got clipped in the third round by Simona Waltert.

Eala’s stint in these high-level tournaments are being made possible by the International Tennis Federation's Junior Exempt Program, which allows the world’s elite junior players compete in a limited number of professional competitions. And since Eala finished 2020 ranked no. 3 in the juniors rankings, she was given permission to play in three $25,000s, two $60,000s, and several $15,000s.

As it stands, Eala still has one W60 and W25 competition left. (JNP)