Eala on Her Miami Run: "I Felt So Supported and Loved"

A surprise semifinalist at the WTA 1000 in Miami early in the season, Alexandra Eala has been one of the revelations of the year and learned a lot about herself after her run in Florida.

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 02/12/2025 à 20h24

2 min to read

Eala Miami Pegula

A former student of the Rafa Nadal Academy, Alexandra Eala has been climbing the ranks step by step this season. The Philippine player, who had been invited by the tournament organizers, eventually reached the semifinals of the WTA 1000 in Miami, which allowed her to break into the top 100. Consistent throughout the season, she recently made her debut in the top 50.

Eala Grateful After Reaching Semifinals in Miami

On her path, Eala eliminated Volynets, Ostapenko, Keys, Badosa (by withdrawal), and Swiatek before falling just short of the final against Jessica Pegula. The 20-year-old player reflected in recent hours on this tournament that truly revealed her to the wider public and how much she used this experience to improve as a player.

"Tennis is a beautiful sport because it keeps you grounded. You lose, you really learn how to lose, because you lose almost every week. And that's what I learned: there will always be someone better than you.

And I simply try to be the best version of myself. I am very proud of myself and what I have achieved. I am also proud and grateful to the team and all the efforts they have put in. I am just happy that they see the results and that I can share this happiness with them.

"I Was Playing Against an American, but the Stadium Was Filled with Filipinos"

It's not usual for me to be so optimistic after a defeat, but I was simply in a state of mind where I was very grateful. I lost, but I fought well. I sat down and looked at the crowd, and there were countless Philippine flags...

I was in Miami, playing against an American, but the stadium was filled with Filipinos. I felt so supported and loved," Eala assured Tennis Up To Date.