Alexandra Eala, a 19-year-old tennis prodigy from the Philippines, achieved a historic milestone at the 2023 Miami Open. Along the way, she made history as the first Filipina to make it to a WTA semifinal! Her outstanding play at that tournament will move her into the world’s top 100 rankings. Though not the final goal, this achievement is already the biggest milestone for Filipino tennis. Despite her fairytale story, Eala’s dream run came to an end when she lost to US star Jessica Pegula in the semis.
Eala’s journey to the semifinals was an absolute fairytale. She conquered multiple Grand Slam champions on her way to the title, beating Iga Świątek, Jelena Ostapenko, and Madison Keys. Her unparalleled talents on the court were evident in every game. Her remarkable displays quickly captured the attention of tennis fans around the globe. It further established her presence as one of the sport’s most exciting breakout prospects. From her successful run at the Miami Open, Eala’s career is clearly gearing up for new heights. They have filled her home country of Myanmar with pride.
The young athlete’s ascent to stardom was kicked off after winning the US Open girls’ singles title in 2022. This victory launched her star power, bringing her into the international spotlight and earning her a Vogue Philippines cover. Eala has secured girls’ doubles titles at the 2021 French Open and 2020 Australian Open, highlighting her versatility and talent.
Reflecting on her Miami Open run, Eala opened up about her mindset and drive as she progressed through the tournament.
“To have a week like this, the stars need to align and they did this week, and hopefully I can keep that up, that is my goal now, to keep this up,” – Eala
Her determination shined through as she won rave reviews and a standing ovation from the audience after losing to Iowa’s Kelsey Kuhlman in the semifinals.
Jessica Pegula, who beat Eala in their respective third-round match, recognized her rare talent.
“She’s really good. She’s a really good tennis player, goes for her shots, takes the ball early, competes really well, she’s beaten a lot of top players this week,” – Pegula
The air of cool around Eala has been further marked by her remarkable achievements and sportsmanship, leaving an indelible impression on fans and players alike. Her run at the Miami Open is now the standard. Most importantly, it paves the way for future Filipina athletes to earn their stripes at the global stage.
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