Filipina tennis prodigy Alex Eala made history with a groundbreaking run at the 2025 Miami Open, reaching the semifinals before facing world No. 4 Jessica Pegula. Despite falling short in the match, Eala’s performance solidified her status as a rising star in the sport.
A Historic Journey
Eala’s campaign was filled with impressive victories against top-ranked players:
- Second Round: She stunned world No. 25 and 2017 French Open champion Jeļena Ostapenko with a 7–6(2), 7–5 win, marking the first time a Filipina defeated a WTA top-30 player and a Grand Slam champion.
- Third Round: Continuing her momentum, she dominated world No. 5 and Australian Open champion Madison Keys, 6–4, 6–2, becoming the first Filipino player to beat a top-10 opponent in the Open Era.
- Quarterfinals: Eala further etched her name in history by overcoming world No. 2 Iga Świątek, 6–2, 7–5, making her the first Filipina to reach the semifinals of a WTA Tour event and securing a spot in the WTA top 100.
Facing Jessica Pegula in the Semifinals
Eala’s semifinal match was against Jessica Pegula, who had previously defeated Emma Raducanu in a grueling quarterfinal. In an intense battle, Eala pushed Pegula to three sets, displaying her tenacity and skill. However, Pegula’s experience proved decisive, ending Eala’s incredible run in the tournament.
A Star on the Rise
Eala’s performance at the Miami Open captured global attention and significantly boosted her ranking. Her victories over Grand Slam champions and top-ranked players showcase her immense potential, and with continued development, she is set for even greater success on the international tennis stage.
