Alex Eala says ‘the real work starts’ after Miami Open success
Alex Eala of the Philippines reacts after winning a point against Jessica Pegula of USA in a women’s singles semifinal on day ten of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala is gearing up for tougher campaigns ahead after her dream run in the Miami Open opened more doors for her in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).
Eala took down three Grand Slam champions in succession—including world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinal—en route to her maiden WTA 1000 semifinal berth.
Despite falling short to Jessica Pegula in the semis, Eala put the Philippines on the map and women’s tennis on notice with her stunning performance and sportsmanship even in defeat.
READ: Alex Eala looks every bit the winner after Miami Open exit
‘THE REAL WORK STARTS NOW’ 💪
LOOK: Alex Eala reflects on her monumental Miami Open run and she acknowledges the new opportunities it has opened for her. | 📷: Eala/Instagram
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“Wow, this year’s Miami Open has left me speechless and so full of emotion, mostly pride and gratitude. I’m proud of myself for pushing through those tough moments, as well as to have been able to make a statement for the Philippines in one of the biggest stages of tennis,” Eala wrote on Instagram Sunday.
The 19-year-old Eala was only the second wildcard to get three consecutive wins over Grand Slam champions at a single WTA event.
She became the first Filipino to reach the semis of a WTA 1000 tournament and knock off two top five players since the WTA Tour rankings were published in 1975.
The Rafael Nadal Academy graduate won her first WTA 1000 main draw game against World No. 73 Katie Voleynets, 6-3, 7-6 (3) in the Round of 128. She beat the World No. 25 and 2017 French Open champion Jeļena Ostapenko of Latvia with a 7-6 (2), 7-5 triumph and stunned WTA No. 5 Madison Keys, 6-4, 6-2, in the Round of 32 before a walkover win over Spain’s Paula Badosa, who was forced to withdraw from their fourth-round match due to a lower back injury.
READ: Alex Eala: Philippines’ smash hit on path toward tennis stardom
After an inspiring stint at the Miami Open, Eala expressed her gratitude to all the Filipinos and tennis fans, who rallied behind her historic campaign.
“Moreover, I’m thankful for all the positivity coming my way, and I pray that you all continue sending support through the highs and lows. Salamat sa lahat ng pagdadasal at magagandang mensahe,” she said.
But Eala is just getting started as she is expected to leap from her previous career-high ranking of No. 134 and enter the Top 75 which likely earns her an entry to the main draw of the three Grand Slam tournaments this year beginning the French Open in May.
“I recognize that these two weeks have opened the door to so many opportunities for me, but along with those opportunities come a whole new set of obstacles I will have to navigate through. The real work starts,” said Eala.
