Alexandra Eala, the rising tennis star from the Philippines, has made history once again by securing a place in the 2025 Miami Open quarterfinals. After a win on Madison Keys Australian Open champion in the fourth round, Alex Eala's journey took another turn when Paula Badosa withdrew due to a lower back injury, granting her a direct path to the last eight.
Eala’s impressive run marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first Filipina to defeat a top-10 ranked opponent in the Open Era. Her journey from training at the Rafael Nadal Academy to competing on one of the sport’s biggest stages is an inspiring story of perseverance and dedication.
Eala delivered an unforgettable performance against World No. 10 Madison Keys, winning in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. This historic victory sent shockwaves through the tennis community, as she outplayed a Grand Slam champion with confidence and composure.
Reflecting on her victory, Eala shared:
“It’s a big thing to take in, and I feel it's important for me to take it step by step. I’m super proud of what I was able to accomplish, but it definitely fuels me more.”
Following her triumph over Keys, Eala was set to face Spain’s Paula Badosa in the fourth round. However, due to a recurring lower back injury, Badosa had to pull out, automatically advancing Eala to the quarterfinals.
While Eala received a walkover, she remains focused on her next match and acknowledges the importance of each victory on her journey.
LABAN, ALEX! 💪🇵🇭
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 25, 2025
WATCH: The Philippines’ Alex Eala thanks her supporters as she advances to the Miami Open quarterfinals for the first time following the withdrawal of Spain’s Paula Badosa due to an injury. | 📹: WTA/Facebook pic.twitter.com/vJOTqui1Fg
At just 12 years old, Eala left the Philippines to train at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain. The move was a tough decision for her family, but it provided her with world-class coaching and facilities that helped shape her into the player she is today.
"The academy has been my home for the past seven years. Of course, my family laid the foundation before sending me there, but the academy built on that and allowed me to be where I am now," Eala said.
Eala comes from an athletic background. Her mother, Rizza Maniego-Eala, was a bronze medalist in swimming at the Southeast Asian Games, while her older brother, Miko Eala, played collegiate tennis at Pennsylvania State University.
Her passion for tennis sports was ignited by her grandfather, who coached her brother and cousins before turning his attention to young Alex.
"I was kind of the next in line to spend time with him, and it eventually blossomed into the career I have now," she explained.
Eala’s next challenge will be in the quarterfinals against either Elina Svitolina or Iga Swiatek, the tournament’s second seed. Both opponents pose a significant challenge, but Eala has already shown she can take down top-ranked players.
Her ability to stay composed under pressure, combined with her aggressive baseline game, makes her a formidable opponent. Regardless of the outcome, her performance in Miami has already made history and cemented her status as a future star in women's tennis.
Alex Eala’s success serves as an inspiration to young athletes in the Philippines and across Asia. Her historic win against a top-10 opponent proves that with hard work, dedication, and the right support system, dreams can become a reality.
Despite her growing fame, Eala remains humble and encourages young players to find inspiration beyond her journey:
“The young kids in the Philippines don’t need to take inspiration from me alone. They can find inspiration from anyone and anything, just like I did growing up.”
Alex Eala’s journey in the 2025 Miami Open is a testament to her dedication, skill, and resilience. Her victory over Madison Keys and subsequent advancement to the quarterfinals have made history, putting Philippine tennis on the global map.
As she prepares for her next match, all eyes will be on Eala, eager to see if she can continue her fairytale run. Win or lose, she has already solidified herself as a trailblazer for Philippine tennis and a rising star in the sport.
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Alex Eala is a 19-year-old tennis player from the Philippines who has gained international recognition for her impressive performances on the WTA Tour. She trained at the Rafael Nadal Academy and won the 2022 US Open Girls' Singles title.
Eala advanced to the Miami Open quarterfinals after defeating Madison Keys (World No. 10) in straight sets (6-4, 6-2). She then progressed further when Paula Badosa withdrew from their fourth-round match due to injury.
Eala is set to face either Elina Svitolina or Iga Swiatek (World No. 2) in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open.
Eala’s victory over Madison Keys made her the first Filipina to defeat a top-10 ranked player in the Open Era, a historic milestone for Philippine tennis.
Since she was 12 years old, Eala has been training at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, where she has developed her game under top-tier coaching.
Her matches are broadcast on major sports networks such as ESPN, Tennis Channel, and online streaming platforms covering the WTA Tour. Check your local listings for live coverage.
