'I want to be number one in the world' - Alexandra Eala gets candid on her long-term aspirations

After announcing her arrival at the 2025 Miami Open, Philippine tennis star Alexandra Eala has revealed her career goals as she's thrust into the spotlight.

The 20-year old was the breakout story of the Miami Open in March, where she reached her maiden semifinal at a WTA 1000 event. Eala played the role of giant killer, as she toppled Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek en route to the final four.

Although she fell to fourth-seeded American Jessica Pegula, Eala's performance did go go unnoticed. The Quezon city native broke into the top 100 as a result, before eventually reaching a career-high ranking of World No.56 after finishing runner-up at the Eastbourne International this summer.

Despite all the achievements accomplished in such a short period of time, Eala is not content as she has dreams of shattering even greater expectations. In an interview with Town & Country, the 20-year old spoke about her long-term goals as a professional tennis player.

Eala hoping to pave the way for Philippine tennis

"Short term, I’m just trying to maintain this level that I’m on,” began Eala. “I’m trying to take it week by week. Long term, I want to be number one in the world, but [that’s a] long way away. It’s important to dream big."

Eala is no stranger to making history, as she is now the highest-ranked tennis player to ever emerge from the Philippines. Additionally, she become the first woman from her nation to compete in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament in May, playing in the opening round of the French Open.

After an impressive Wimbledon debut that saw her lose to defending champion Barbora Krejcikova in three close sets, Eala hopes to leave her mark at the upcoming US Open. The 20-year will become the first woman the Philippines to compete in the main draw of the US Open, after having lost in the third round of qualifying twelve months ago.

"It’s hard to realize I’m the first,” continued Eala. “It’s so nice to see that I’m able to pave the way, and I’m able to expose the Philippines to this international stage. It’s such a big part of who I am. The only thing I can give back to my country is to inspire."