The 2023 Australian Open received an early blow with the withdrawal of last year’s quarterfinalist Ajla Tomljanovic. The Australian tennis star announced she will undergo knee surgery, forcing her to miss her home Slam.
Tomljanovic expressed heartbreak over the unfortunate timing, saying “I was hoping for a little miracle.” After a career-best run in 2022, hopes were high for Ajla to make another statement in Melbourne.
While Tomljanovic recovers, 17-year-old Alex Eala of the Philippines is poised to take the Australian Open by storm as tennis’ next rising phenom. Currently the WTA’s youngest player in the top 300, Alex captured widespread attention by winning the prestigious Junior Australian Open in 2020.
With powerful groundstrokes and mental toughness belying her age, Alex scored her first professional title in early 2022. Now mentored by her idol Rafael Nadal, Alex’s rapid improvement suggests Grand Slam glory is on the horizon.
While the withdrawal of 2022 semifinalist Tomljanovic deals a blow to Aussie chances, it opens the door for Alex Eala to announce herself on the global stage Down Under. If Alex can channel her junior success, she could become the Open’s breakout teen star.
With one star sidelined and another on the rise, the Australian Open women’s field remains packed with intrigue. Tomljanovic’s absence is Alex Eala’s opportunity to fulfill her prodigious potential. The fiery Filipina is one to watch as she continues blazing a trail in women’s tennis.
