The rise of Alex Eala continues as the 19-year-old Filipina sensation pulled off the biggest victory of her career, stunning world No. 5 and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys, 6-4, 6-2, in the Round of 32 of the WTA 1000 Miami Open on Monday morning (Manila time).
Fresh off her upset win over world No. 25 Jelena Ostapenko, Eala made history by becoming the first Filipina in the Open Era to defeat a top-10 player.
The victory secured her a spot in the Final 16 of a WTA event for the first time in her young career.
“I’m so blank,” Eala said in her post-match interview as Filipino supporters waved their flags in celebration.
“I’m thinking of my parents. ‘Mom and Dad, nakuha ko!’ My God.”
Despite facing a seasoned opponent who has reached the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams, Eala remained composed and confident.
“I knew I could win from the start, but the chances were low given that she’s a great player. I think my belief and trust in myself pushed me through,” she shared with Tennis Channel.
Keys initially dictated the tempo, winning four of the first seven games. However, Eala turned the tide with a crucial break in the ninth game to clinch the opening set, 6-4.
She carried that momentum into the second, breaking Keys’ serve twice — at 3-2 and 5-2 — before closing out the match in just 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Eala’s discipline was evident as she committed just one double fault compared to Keys’ four, while also capitalizing on the American’s unforced errors in crucial moments.
The win not only guarantees Eala a six-figure paycheck as she advances to the next round.
However, her journey does not get any easier as she prepares to face Spain’s Paula Badosa, a former world No. 2, on Tuesday morning (Manila time) for a place in the quarterfinals.
“There have been many times when I’ve had a great win but fell short in the next match. I tried not to think about it too much,” Eala admitted.
“Now looking back, I feel like it’s because I wasn’t ready at the time. But now, I have to believe that I am. I worked for this opportunity, and I have to take advantage of what I have.”
Badosa, currently ranked world No. 11, advanced to the Round of 16 after a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory over Denmark’s Clara Tauson.
The Spaniard will present yet another formidable challenge for Eala, but the Filipina has already shown that she thrives in the underdog role.
“The work’s not yet done. Almost thinking about the next match already,” Eala said.
