Photo by BARBARA GINDL / APA / AFP via Getty Images

By Joel Reyes

Alex Eala received a major boost on Wednesday (PH time) as she was handed a spot in the main draw of next week's Stuttgart Open. 

Photo by BARBARA GINDL / APA / AFP via Getty Images

The Filipina tennis star secured the promotion after Chinese star Zheng Qinwen withdrew from the WTA 500 tournament due to injury. The event's organizers shared the development on its social media page.

"Alexandra Eala replaces Zheng in the main draw. Unfortunately, Qinwen has to withdraw due to injury, but fans can now look forward to seeing Alexandra step in. We wish Qinwen a speedy recovery and hope to see her back on the court in Stuttgart very soon!"

Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

It isn't a surprise to see the event promoting Eala as she has been a box-office draw for tennis tournaments around the globe. She just started her 2026 clay campaign, beating Julia Grabher in the first round of the Linz Open on Wednesday (PH time).