MIAMI, FL — Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra Eala’s remarkable run at the 2025 Miami Open came to an end on Thursday, March 27, after a hard-fought three-set semifinal against American world No. 4 Jessica Pegula. The 19-year-old Eala battled with grit and composure but ultimately fell, 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3, in a match that lasted nearly three hours and highlighted her growing stature on the international stage.
The opening set was a tightly contested affair, culminating in a tiebreaker where Pegula edged ahead. Eala answered with poise in the second set, breaking late to claim it 7-5. In the deciding third, Pegula leaned on her experience to close out the match and secure a place in the final.
Despite the loss, Eala made history as the first Filipina to reach the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event—an achievement that has galvanized national pride and signaled a breakthrough moment for Philippine tennis.
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A Breakthrough Performance
Ranked No. 140 entering the tournament, Eala stunned the tennis world with her composed, aggressive play. Her standout moment came in the quarterfinals, where she defeated world No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek, 6-2, 7-5. It was her second Top 10 victory of the tournament and a defining milestone in her young career.
A Nation Behind Her
Throughout the tournament, Eala drew fervent support from Filipino fans in the Philippines and around the globe. Philippine flags were visible courtside in Miami, and chants of encouragement echoed during pivotal moments, transforming the atmosphere into a celebration of Filipino pride.
Prize Money, Ranking Points, and a Career Milestone
Eala’s semifinal finish earned her $332,160 in prize money and 390 WTA ranking points. For context, the tournament champion receives $1,124,380 and 1,000 points. Her performance is projected to propel her into the WTA Top 100 for the first time—a landmark achievement that further cements her place among the sport’s rising stars.
Momentum into the Clay Court Season
Eala’s Miami breakthrough is more than a personal triumph—it’s a beacon of possibility for Philippine tennis and a source of inspiration for young athletes across the nation.
As the tennis calendar shifts to the clay court season, Eala enters a phase that brings both challenge and opportunity. Running from April to early June, the clay season includes high-profile tournaments such as the Monte Carlo Masters, Madrid Open, and Italian Open, culminating in the French Open at Roland Garros. The clay surface, known for its slower pace and higher bounce, demands tactical discipline, stamina, and adaptability.
While her participation in these upcoming events has yet to be confirmed, Eala’s momentum from Miami and her steady rise in the rankings suggest that this is just the beginning. With a nation behind her and the tennis world taking notice, Alexandra Eala’s journey is poised to enter an exciting new chapter.
