March 25, 2025
MANILA – She’s making herstory!
The fairy tale run continues for 19-year-old Filipina tennis star Alex Eala who secured a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Australian Open champion Madison Keys at the 2025 Miami Open.
Not only did Eala earn back-to-back wins over Major champions—she previously defeated former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko—but she also became the first Filipina in history to beat a Top 10 player since WTA rankings began in 1975.
The World No. 140 gained a wild card into the second hard court Masters of the year and she’s certainly making her presence felt.
“Growing up it was tough,” she said in her on-court interview. “You didn’t have anyone from where you’re from to pave the way…. I hope this takes Filipino tennis to the next step.” Heaps of reactions on social media have poured in for the prodigy for both her wins over Keys and Ostapenko, including Rafael Nadal himself where Eala trains at his namesake academy.
She next faces 10th seed and former World No. 2 Paula Badosa of Spain for a spot in the quarterfinals.