By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense tennis player Alexandra Eala reached another career milestone after climbing to World’s No. 44 in the latest WTA live rankings, the highest position she has held so far.

The 20-year-old continued her steady rise on the professional tour, jumping five spots from her previous career-best ranking of No. 49 last week.

Eala’s move up the rankings came despite an opening-round loss to American Alycia Parks, 0-6, 6-3, 6-2, in the women’s singles event of the Australian Open on Monday, January 19.

Despite the early exit, Eala said she was encouraged by the strong support she received from fans who came to Melbourne to watch her play.

“It was so heart-warming. That’s one of the things that makes a loss like today a little bit harder, as I know a lot of people were rooting for me,” Eala said.

“The fact that everyone came out and really squeezed into that cozy court, I really appreciate it,” she said.

“I’m still young, 20, so I’m learning how to deal with all of this attention. But at the same time, I’m grateful,” she added.

Eala is now turning her focus to her next tournament, as she is set to compete in the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open scheduled for later this week./CJ, WDJ