Alexandra Eala has undoubtedly enjoyed the best season of her young career in 2026, enjoying plenty of milestone moments.
However, her form of late has waned, and this might have clouded some people’s judgement.
It is easy to forget that, just a few months ago, this 21-year-old sensation endured a gauntlet at the Washington Open to win her first-ever WTA Tour-level title, which came in between two historic runs at Wimbledon and the US Open.
A handful of tough recent results should not erase such success.
And, there is still time for Alexandra Eala to turn it around as well, with her schedule showing no signs of slowing down even if her form has faltered.
At the Tokyo Open in particular, there is cause for growing optimism, especially with the latest news that has emerged from the upcoming tournament.
Qinwen Zheng’s Tokyo Open withdrawal opens the draw up for Alex Eala
Whilst the player list for the upcoming WTA iteration of the Tokyo Open remains strong, boasting names like Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, Elena Rybakina and Iva Jovic, Eala can remain confident of competing there.
Especially now that Qinwen Zheng has withdrawn from the event, which is one of three events she will miss following her China Open title.
With her fine form and Eala’s recent struggles, had she not been pulling out of these events, there’s every chance that the Chinese superstar could have been ranked higher by the time the Tokyo Open came around.
Therefore, whilst Qinwen Zheng‘s absence weakens the draw, it also ensures that Eala will retain a strong seeding spot as well.
Interestingly, these two have only ever faced each other once in their careers, with the Filipina superstar emerging victorious.
She won their opening-round showdown in Washington, and it marked the first of many huge wins for Eala en route to the title.