Eala poised for new career high in WTA rankings

(UPDATE) DESPITE a string of early exits following her Miami Open semifinals appearance, Alex Eala is expected to achieve a new career best in her Women's Tennis Association (WTA) world rankings.

The live rankings show the Philippine tennis star ranking 71st with 897 points, as of Saturday morning.

According to the WTA website, she is ranked 72nd as of April 21, which is her current career high, reflecting her results at the Miami Open, where she reached the semifinals and the Oeiras Ladies Open.

Eala exited early at the Madrid Open, when world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, who she defeated during her Miami Open stint, exacted her revenge and defeated the Filipina in three sets in the round of 64, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

In an Instagram post, she said her stint in Madrid was an experience and said her match against Swiatek was a "battle."

"It's such a privilege to bring out my competitive side and perform at a high level on these iconic courts," Eala wrote.

"Today's match was a battle, and I'm counting on it not being the last. Some time ago, my dad told me, 'If you want to be a lion, you have to live in the den.' I've earned my place in the den — and I like to think I'm a lion in the making," she added.

After defeating Eala, the second-seeded Swiatek will go against Linda Nosková of the Czech Republic in the round of 32 of the Madrid Open.