Alexandra Eala is sending shock waves around the world! Previously ranked 140th by the world’s Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), she just issued a strong statement in Miami that she is ready for the big-time.
Joining the Miami Open as a wildcard entry, Alex steamrollered through the opposition like a rampaging juggernaut. First, she bundled out Katie Volynets in straight sets 6-3, 7-6 in her opening round. This turned out to be simply a prelude of things to come, as she bumped off world’s 25th-ranked Jelena Ostapenko – in straight sets once again – 7-6, 7-5. This would cause a mild tremor right there as people started to take notice.
Getting into the elite round of 32, she stunned the tennis world with a masterful takedown of world’s 5th-ranked Madison Keys 6-4, 6-2; to the delight of a now-growing underdog-loving fan base. Maddy – a much taller, beefier veteran – just couldn’t get mad enough to contain the speedier, more aggressive Alex; despite the 10 career singles titles to her name. With 2 top 25 players under her belt, people were now pleasantly in awe of this dazzling dervish from the Philippines.
Reaching unfamiliar ground in the round of 16, Alex got lucky with a walkover win over world’s 10th-ranked Paula Badosa, who had to withdraw due to a recurring back problem. For Alex, this meant a free ticket to the elite 8!
Here in the quarterfinals, Alex then slammed the biggest shocker of the tournament with a masterful upset win over world’s 2nd-ranked Iga Swiatek 6-2, 7-5. As if to show to the world that her previous victories were no fluke, Alex collected her 4th consecutive 2-setter win as though it was just another day in the office. This time, it would be over the WORLD’S NUMBER 2 player! Interviewed after this jaw-dropping performance, the 19-year old Alex showed a youthful exuberance and humility that captivated tennis fans around the world. A menacing tiger on the court, she showed that she could be sweet and cuddly as a cat off the court. She was articulate, she was intelligent, she had the looks; what’s not to like about her? And she was now in the Final 4, a level never before reached by any Filipino – male or female – in the tennis scene.
However, this was when Alexandra Eala’s cinderella run would finally come to an end. Paired against the world’s 4th-ranked Jessica Pegula, a 31-year old American veteran of the women’s tour, Alex just ran out of magic tricks to bring herself to the finals. Jessica would win her 3rd 3-setter in five games in this tourney 7-6, 5-7, 6-3; to move up to the Finals. After a string of wins without dropping a single set against higher-ranked opponents – 2 of whom were in the elite top 5 of the world – Alex’ amazing run had finally screeched to a halt. To the collective groans of an appreciative crowd that was clearly rooting for her.
The critical point, to my mind, came in the very first set, with Alex ahead 5-2, and on the verge of closing the set. I thought that she loosened the pressure on Jessica a bit at that point, probably thinking she had a commanding lead. This allowed Jessica to inch closer, taking 8 consecutive winners to tie the score at 5-5. This eventually would allow Jessica to regain her confidence. Jessica would eventually take the first set 7-6, showing to us that in a high-stakes match like this, you cannot lose your focus for a short while as the tide could turn quickly.
As they say, all good things must come to an end, but the memories will remain forever. Alex’ dream run may have ended, but I see it as the start of something refreshing and new. She has been an inspiration to us, impressing on our youth that if you put your mind to it, you can be as good – if not better – than what you sought to be.
Alex will definitely be a tough hombre in the future. She has a mean forehand; and her being a leftie makes it more difficult for her opponents. Her return of serve is exquisite, and this shows in her high rate of service breaks. Her net play is definitely a big asset. She loves to take the ball early. Her speed, her reflex, her anticipation and laterals are a joy to watch. I actually felt she would overpower Jessica with her speed. She has superior volleys as well. On the down-side, I think her second serve could still improve. As well as her flat backhand. Her opponents will start to study her game, now that she has shown the talent and the huge potential that could bring her to the top echelon. All in all, we will definitely see a lot more of this endearing 19-year old Philippine protege in the years to come.
Alex’ hard work at the Nadal Academy for tennis is starting to bear fruit. For those who are only now getting to know this upcoming darling of the tennis world, Alex joined Nadal’s tennis academy in 2019 at age 13, and graduated in 2023. She has had plenty of success in the junior circuit, with notable wins in the US open singles (2022), the Australian open doubles (2020) and the French open doubles (2022). In 2020, at age 15, she turned pro and joined the WTA Circuit. It has been a long journey, but in this tournament alone, she has taken down the scalps of 3 of the world’s top 25, and 2 of the world’s top 5 players; showing everyone a preview of things to come.
With her positive results in Miami, she has just been elevated to 75th in the current rankings. Looking ahead, the future looks bright for Alex. At just 19, Alex is creating a fan base that will cheer her on as she continues her march to break into the upper echelons of women’s tennis. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Alex will evolve in the years ahead. And if her recent run of successes is an indication, Alex is set to become a force to reckon with in women’s tennis, inspiring a new generation of athletes from the Philippines and beyond.
For a closer look, just click on the pics. Cover photo courtesy of GMA Network. Other photos courtesy of GMA Network, ABS_CBN, Facebook, PhilStar, Inquirer, MSN, Instagram, and the Port Ph.
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