Eala astonishes world No. 5 Madison Keys
AND Alexandra “Alex” Eala’s fairy tale journey progressed with the most significant victory not just of her life but for Philippine tennis as a whole.
As a wildcard competitor among the sport’s elite, Ms. Eala overcame another giant, world No. 5 Madison Keys from the United States, 6-4, 6-2, to advance into the 2025 Miami Open Round of 16 on Monday at the Hardrock Stadium in Florida.
Following a remarkable triumph over world No. 25 Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, Ms. Eala pressed on to accomplish an even greater achievement in the Round of 32 against the American star on her home soil.
Ranked WTA No. 140, Ms. Eala required just 87 minutes to dominate Ms. Keys, who had recently clinched a surprising title at the Australian Open last January.
Ms. Keys marked the second significant opponent that Ms. Eala has vanquished after disturbing the former French Open titleholder Ms. Ostapenko in the Round of 64.
Not only did Ms. Eala conquer two Grand Slam champions, but she also made history as the first Filipina athlete ever to defeat a Top-25 and a Top-5 player in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) standings.
Ms. Eala achieved this feat through an impeccable performance, starting with a 3-1 surge in the initial set, subsequently repelling Ms. Keys’ intense rally by securing the last two games.
She displayed the same poise in the follow-up set, shutting out Ms. Keys in the final four games to break free from a deadlock at two games apiece.
Before facing Mses. Ostapenko and Keys, Ms. Eala had also dominated world No. 73 Katie Volynets from the USA, 6-3, 7-6(3), in the Round of 128.
“I feel like growing up, it was challenging because you didn’t have anyone from your background to clear the path for you. Of course, you had numerous role models from around the globe, but I hope this elevates Philippine tennis to new heights,” stated Ms. Eala, who jumped, shouted, and wept in joy following her monumental triumph.
Ms. Eala, who has trained at Rafa Nadal’s academy in Mallorca since the age of 13, required a medical break for what seemed to be a leg injury but showcased her strength from the baseline against Ms. Keys, who reached the Indian Wells semifinal the previous week.
However, the Filipina tennis player is not finished yet, setting her sights on another high-ranking competitor in WTA No. 10 Paula Badosa from Spain, who achieved a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory over Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the Round of 16.
At stake for Ms. Eala is her first-ever quarterfinal appearance in the WTA 1000 tournament, marking another historic moment. — John Bryan Ulanday
