Cover Alex Eala falls short vs Pegula, ends dream run in Miami Open (Photo: Getty Images)
Alex Eala falls short vs Pegula, ends dream run in Miami Open (Photo: Getty Images)
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Alex Eala’s Miami Open dream run came to an end in the semifinals, but not before the 19-year-old Filipino stunned top-ranked opponents, secured a spot in the WTA’s top 100, and proved she belongs among the sport’s elite
Alex Eala’s historic run at the Miami Open came to an end in the semifinals, where she pushed world no. 4 Jessica Pegula to the limit before falling 7-6, 5-7, 6-3. The 19-year-old Filipino showed composure and resilience, battling through an ankle sprain and a grueling three-setter against one of the WTA Tour’s most consistent players.
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Eala’s performance in Miami was nothing short of electrifying. Ranked outside the top 100 at the start of the tournament, she entered as a wildcard and took down some of the biggest names in the sport. She opened her campaign with a strong 6-2, 6-4 victory over American Katie Volynets before shocking former grand slam champion and world no. 25 Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets, 7-6(2), 7-5. That win made her the first Filipino player to defeat a top-30 opponent.
But Eala wasn’t done yet. She continued her dream run by dismantling reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys, 6-4, 6-2, marking her first career win over a top-10 player. A stroke of luck came in the fourth round when Paula Badosa withdrew due to injury, sending Eala to the quarterfinals—where she delivered her biggest statement yet.
Facing world no. 2 Iga Świątek, the dominant force in women’s tennis over the past two seasons, Eala played fearless, aggressive tennis to earn a stunning 6-2, 7-5 victory. The win made her the first Filipino player to reach the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event and secured her spot in the WTA’s top 100, ensuring direct entry into all four grand slams.
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Her semifinal showdown with Jessica Pegula was a battle of grit and endurance. Eala took the opening set to a tiebreak and fought back in the second to force a deciding set, but Pegula’s experience proved the difference in the end. Despite the loss, Eala’s Miami Open run has been a breakthrough moment, proving she belongs among the sport’s elite.
With her fearless style and unshakable poise, Eala has announced herself as a rising star in women’s tennis. The Philippines has long waited for a player to break through at the sport’s highest level—and after this performance, it’s clear that Alex Eala is ready to lead the way.
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
