Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala’s remarkable run at the Miami Open came to an end in the semi-finals on Friday after falling to American star Jessica Pegula, 6-7(3), 5-7, 6-3.
Despite the loss, the 19-year-old wildcard made history as the first Filipino player to reach the semi-finals of a WTA tour-level event. Her performance also guarantees her a spot in the WTA Top 100 when the new rankings are released on Monday — a first for a Filipina.
Eala’s breakthrough tournament included stunning victories over No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek, as well as Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys. She is only the second wildcard ever to defeat three or more major winners in a single WTA tournament.
Ranked No. 140 entering the Miami Open, Eala had never beaten a Top 40 opponent before. Her wins against two Top 10 players now signal her emergence as one of tennis’ most exciting rising stars.
“I’m on cloud nine. It’s so surreal,” Eala said after her quarter-final win against Swiatek. “I’m so happy and so blessed to be able to compete on this stage.”
