Filipina tennis star Alex Eala wrapped up her stunning Miami Open campaign on Friday after a hard-fought semifinal loss to world No. 4 Jessica Pegula, falling 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3.
The 19-year-old wildcard gave a gritty performance, battling not only her higher-ranked opponent but also a minor ankle injury. Eala led 5-2 early in the first set but Pegula roared back to take the set in a tiebreak.
Eala was seen receiving treatment for her ankle at the start of the second set, but she dug deep, erased a 3-1 deficit, and pulled off a comeback to win the set, tying the match. Both players traded breaks in the third set, but Pegula’s poise under pressure ultimately made the difference, sending her to the finals against Aryna Sabalenka.
Despite the semifinal exit, Eala captured global attention with her incredible run—defeating three Grand Slam champions: Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.
Eala’s Miami Open breakthrough cements her status as one of tennis’s rising stars and a source of national pride.