Alexandra Eala Cruises Past Stojsavljevic to Kick Off Tokyo Campaign

Philippines' Eala shines in Tokyo Opener after making WTA history

Philippines star Alexandra Eala bounced back from her shock Wuhan defeat to beat British teenager Mika Stojsavljevic in straight sets and reach the second round of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.

Eala says “the ball doesn't know what rank you are” after Tokyo win...

Rising star Alexandra Eala launched her Tokyo campaign with a comfortable victory over Mika Stojsavljevic on Monday.

The Philippines star insisted that “the ball doesn't know what rank you are” after dispatching world No. 411 Mika Stojsavljevic 6-1, 6-2 in her opening match in Tokyo.

World No. 19 Eala came into the Pan Pacific Open struggling for form, having managed just one win across her previous three tournaments.

That poor stretch included a surprise first-round exit at the hands of 217th-ranked Chinese qualifier Shi Han at the Wuhan Open earlier this month.

Eala made sure there was no repeat of that upset against 17-year-old Brit Stojsavljevic, easing past her in just 75 minutes.

“I try to look at the player separate from the ranking,” said Eala.

Moving forward in Tokyo 💪 Alex Eala secures the win against Stojsavljevic in straight sets! #torayppo https://t.co/Krfqk7zvqA

— wta (@WTA) October 26, 2026

“The ball doesn't know what rank you are,” she added.

“It's just being ready and trying to keep that intensity all the time.”

Eala, 21, has attracted a loyal following wherever she plays after becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour title in August.

She was once again cheered on by a small but vocal group of supporters on centre court in Tokyo.

Through in ✌️ Alex Eala defeats Stojsavljevic 6-1, 6-2! #torayppo https://t.co/DCjcROdNs1

— wta (@WTA) October 26, 2026

Eala raced into a commanding 5-0 lead in the opening set and wrapped it up despite Stojsavljevic clawing one game back.

The British teenager offered more resistance in the second set, but Eala remained in control throughout, sealing victory without dropping serve once.

“It's a little faster than the court I played on last week,” said Eala.

“It's indoor, comfortable weather, not very hot. I think I'm finding my groove.”

Fifth seed Elise Mertens of Belgium also advanced, overcoming Japan's Moyuka Uchijima 6-4, 6-2.

However, second seed Maja Chwalinska and defending champion Belinda Bencic both pulled out of the tournament through injury without hitting a ball.

Fourth-seeded Bencic confirmed her season is over after scans revealed several ligament tears in her right foot.

“I am still completely unsure when and how this occurred, but it is sadly preventing me from competing here in Tokyo this week and in Hong Kong next week,” said the Swiss player.