Alexandra Eala, currently ranked 140th in the world, is drawing attention at the Miami Open with her impressive performances. In the second round, the young talent from the Philippines triumphed over world number 25 Jelena Ostapenko 7-6, 7-5 after a tight battle.
Rafael Nadal recognized Eala’s notable achievement. It’s an expected gesture given Alexandra’s connection to the Rafa Nadal Academy, where she honed her skills before graduating in 2023. This February, Alexandra and Rafa met in Mallorca.
The legend congratulated her and wished her well in her tennis journey. It’s hard not to feel optimistic about her future based on her strong showing at the Miami Open!
Congratulations Alex! What a great win for you and for
!
https://t.co/mfEM7PR6o9
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 21, 2025
The Filipina will face another stern test in the third round. Her next rival? The Australian Open champion, Madison Keys. Eala and Ostapenko battled for nearly two hours. A teenager managed to win nine points more than her rival, including the pivotal ones.
Alexandra excelled her game during critical moments and defended 11 of 15 break points to reduce the damage in her games. Ostapenko played against 12 break points, losing serve five times and suffering an early defeat.
The more experienced player was off to a reliable start. Jelena seized the fifth break point in the first game of the duel with a backhand winner. World no. 25 provided another break in the third game after a forehand winner, extending her advantage.
Alexandra Eala, Miami Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Eala launched her comeback at 0-4. She held in the fifth game and pulled one break back with a forehand down the line return winner a few minutes later. A teenager held for 3-4 and notched another break in game eight to lock the result at 4-4.
Alexandra fended off a break point in game nine, and the set went into a tie break after three fine holds. The 19-year-old did everything right, claiming all points behind the initial shot and keeping the pressure on the other side.
Eala forged the lead in the third point and won two points on serve for a 4-1 lead. Ostapenko missed a backhand in the seventh point, and her rival generated four set points with a service winner. Alexandra converted the first, clinching the opener 7-6 and gaining confidence.
Alexandra Eala, Miami Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Feeling energized, the Filipina grabbed a break in the first game of the second set with a forehand winner. She scored another break two games later and moved closer to the finish line. Ostapenko landed a winner at the net at 1-4 and started her comeback.
She held for 3-4 and made another push on the return in game eight. Jelena fired a backhand down the line winner for a break at love and 4-4. World no. 25 denied three set points in game nine and earned a set point on the return in the next one.
Alexandra Eala, Miami Open 2025© Stream screenshot
A teenager saved it and landed a service winner for 5-5 and more drama. Eala stepped in on the return at 5-5 and welcomed Ostapenko’s double fault for a crucial advantage. Alexandra provided a fine hold at 6-5, moving over the top and booking her spot in the third round.
Next up for Eala is Madison Keys, the Australian Open champion! Alexandra is eager to leverage her momentum and secure another notable triumph at the Hard Rock Stadium, wishing to compete in the second week.
Tennis World USA