Dubai: Miami, where the heat transcends the sun to focus on rising stars. At only 19 years old, Filipino teenager Alexandra Eala is making waves at the Miami Open, navigating the tournament with impressive skill. As she enters the quarter-finals, she prepares to battle world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, a pivotal match that could shape her tennis career.
Eala advances smoothly.
Ranked No. 140, Eala reached the quarter-finals without breaking a sweat after No. 10 seed Paula Badosa withdrew due to a lower back injury. Eala has enjoyed the Miami sunshine and its positive vibes.
Her journey has included a tense 7-6, 7-5 victory over former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the round of 64, followed by a significant upset against No. 5 seed Madison Keys, the Australian Open champion. These feats are historic for a Malaysian player in the Open Era.
Rafael Nadal hails Eala.
After training at Rafael Nadal’s Academy in Mallorca, Eala is among Nadal’s promising students. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate her, stating, “Congratulations Alex! What a great win for you and for [the Philippines]”.
Raised in Quezon City, Eala’s tennis journey began early, gaining recognition by winning Les Petit As at the age of 12 in 2018. Later that year, she joined the famed Nadal Academy.
Before Miami, Eala had never clinched three consecutive matches at a tour event, but her victories against Ostapenko and Keys marked her energy and skills against Top 40 players.
The ultimate test ahead.
As she competes in her sixth WTA 1000 event, Eala will contend with former Miami champion Swiatek, who just defeated No. 22 seed Elina Svitolina after a challenging 2-hour match. Swiatek, seeking her second Miami title following her win in 2022, also gears to make history with the Sunshine Double.
A bright future together.
Facing her third Grand Slam singles champion this fortnight, Eala’s achievements in Miami promise an exciting future ahead. As accolades from Nadal highlight her exceptional talent, she stands poised to create an exceptional legacy in tennis.
