Alex Eala has been one of the most exciting stories in tennis across 2025 and 2026, building a global fanbase while steadily climbing the WTA rankings. Her grass court summer was particularly impressive, highlighted by a Birmingham Open title, a Berlin semi-final run, and a victory over Iga Swiatek on the way to her first Grand Slam fourth round at Wimbledon. But as the North American hardcourt swing gets underway, fitness concerns have emerged around the 21-year-old Filipino star.
At her Washington Open pre-tournament press conference, Eala explained why she withdrew from doubles alongside Venus Williams despite both players initially appearing on the entry list together. Her reasoning was telling: she described Williams as someone who deserves a partner who can give their all physically, emotionally, and mentally. The implication was clear. Eala did not feel she could commit fully to both singles and doubles competition right now.
This is a notable shift. Throughout the season, Eala has regularly combined both formats at major events, partnering with players including Janice Tjen, Iva Jovic, and Nikola Bartunkova. Playing doubles has generally helped her adapt quickly to different conditions on the calendar.
The timing makes this especially significant. Eala heads into the Washington Open ranked World No. 26, and she is defending only 70 points across the entire North American swing through the US Open. That light defensive load gives her a genuine chance to push deeper into the WTA elite with strong results in Washington, Toronto, Cincinnati, and New York. Any setback caused by injury or fatigue could allow rivals to close the gap while she stalls.
Fans and bracket builders will be watching her movement and match schedule closely. TennisDraw users have Eala penciled in as a potential deep run candidate in Washington, but her fitness situation could change everything.
