TENNIS analyst Max Kilham believes Alex Ayala has what it takes to break into the WTA Top 10 early in the 2027 season following another strong Grand Slam campaign.
“I don’t see any reason why she can’t break into the Top 10 early next year,” Kilham said in an interview with Anton Roxas of The Scorecard on Bilyonaryo News Channel.
“I think she’s got the game to do so,” Kilham pointed to Ayala’s continued rise throughout the 2026 season, highlighting the progress she has made both in the rankings and in her overall game.
The Filipina standout has made significant strides at the Grand Slams this year, winning five major matches after winning just one Grand Slam match in 2025.
“I mean, she won one Grand Slam match last year. This year she’s won five, so the improvement’s evident,” Kilham said.
Ayala also reached at least the third round in back to back Grand Slam campaigns, continuing her rapid development on the biggest stages of tennis.
At the U.S. Open, Ayala went the distance against her friend Iva Jovic before ultimately falling in a closely contested match.
Despite the defeat, Kilham praised Ayala’s adjustments and maturity, noting that she used her net game and drop shots more effectively instead of allowing Jovic to control the match from the baseline.
“I think she’s made great progress this year. I mean, she’s shot up the rankings once again and really just improved her game as a whole from top to bottom,” Kilham said.
He also noted that Ayala will enter the 2027 Australian Open with only 10 points to defend, creating another opportunity for her to climb the rankings.
“So I think she’s more than proven her worth this year, and I think we should slightly reserve judgment with taking that next step moving forward,” Kilham said. “She definitely can. But let’s also appreciate what she’s done already this year. She’s achieved a lot.” (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
