Who is Lulu Sun? Meet Alex Eala’s semis foe at the Jingshan Tennis Open

Alexandra "Alex" Eala advanced to the semifinals of the Jingshan Tennis Open after defeating China’s Jia-Jing Lu, 6-4, 6-1, in their quarterfinal match on Friday in China.

Up next for the 20-year-old Filipina tennis star is Lulu Sun of New Zealand—a familiar rival who previously got the better of Eala during the Wimbledon qualifiers last year.

In that match, Sun edged Eala in two tight sets, 7-6, 7-5.

This upcoming semifinal, however, may be a tough challenge for Eala.

While currently ranked No. 146 in the world, the 24-year-old Sun reached a career-high of No. 39 in September 2024. She also had an impressive campaign at the Wimbledon last year with a deep run to the quarterfinals.

This year, both Sun and Eala reached the Round of 64 in the US Open, marking their best Grand Slam results of the season.

Eala, currently ranked world No. 58, achieved her career-high of No. 56 earlier this year.

READ MORE | Alex Eala's week-by-week ranking

She has been enjoying a strong 2025 season, with the Jingshan Open marking her fourth semifinal appearance of the year following impressive runs at the Miami Open (March), Eastbourne Open (June), and Guadalajara 125 Open (August).

READ MORE | Alex Eala and her historic career moments in 2025

Eala and Sun are set to clash for a spot in the final on Saturday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News