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Eala Advances in Tokyo, Saying Rankings Do Not Define a Player

Posted : 26 October 2026

Philippines tennis star Alexandra Eala made a confident start at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, defeating Britain’s Mika Stojsavljevic 6-1, 6-2 in the first round on Monday.

The world No. 19 needed just 75 minutes to overcome the 411th-ranked teenager, avoiding another early upset after a difficult spell in which she won only one match across her previous three tournaments. Her recent struggles included a surprise first-round loss to Chinese qualifier Shi Han, ranked 217th, at the Wuhan Open.

Eala said she focuses on an opponent’s ability rather than their position in the rankings, explaining that rankings do not determine what happens on court. She stressed the importance of maintaining intensity and preparing properly for every match, regardless of the opponent.

The 21-year-old received enthusiastic support from Filipino fans in Tokyo, continuing to attract attention following her historic achievement in August, when she became the first player from the Philippines to win a title on the WTA Tour.

Eala dominated the opening set, racing into a 5-0 lead before closing it out despite conceding a game. Stojsavljevic offered more resistance in the second set, but the Filipino remained in control throughout and did not lose her serve.

Reflecting on the conditions, Eala said the indoor court was slightly faster than the surface she played on the previous week. She added that the comfortable temperatures were helping her settle into her game.

Elsewhere, fifth seed Elise Mertens of Belgium advanced after defeating Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima 6-4, 6-2.

However, the tournament suffered two notable withdrawals, with second seed Maja Chwalinska and defending champion Belinda Bencic pulling out before playing their opening matches because of injuries.

Bencic, the fourth seed, announced that her season was over after several ligament tears were discovered in her right foot. The Swiss player said she did not know exactly when or how the injury occurred and confirmed that it would prevent her from competing in Tokyo and Hong Kong.

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