Filipina tennis player Alex Eala pulled off the biggest upset of her young career on March 22, 2025, defeating world No. 25 Jelena Ostapenko 7-6 (2), 7-5 in the second round of the Miami Open at the Hard Rock Stadium.
The victory is monumental not just personally for Eala, but historically for the Philippines, marking the first time a Filipino player has defeated a Top 30 opponent since the WTA rankings began in 1975.
The match began with a rocky start for Eala, who found herself trailing 0-4 in the first set. However, the 19-year-old remained composed, rallying back to take control. Her perseverance paid off as she edged Ostapenko in the tiebreaker, clinching the first set 7-6 (2). The second set saw Eala initially pull ahead 4-0 before Ostapenko fought back to take a 5-4 lead, but Eala showcased her resilience once again and closed the match 7-5.
This win comes after Eala's first main-draw win of the Miami Open against American Katie Volynets, ranked No. 73, where she prevailed 6-3, 7-6 just two days prior. Eala’s victory over Ostapenko marks a significant milestone; it’s her first time reaching the third round of a WTA tour-level event.
"This victory marks Eala’s first win against a Top 30 opponent and her first time reaching the third round of a tour-level event," noted DugoutPH, celebrating her remarkable achievement.
As she prepares to face Madison Keys in the next round—an opponent ranked No. 5 and the reigning Australian Open champion—Eala’s path ahead is steep. But as an emotional Eala reflected after her victory over Ostapenko, every match is a step forward in her career.
"Eala managed to take control and keep it to grab the first set," reported GMA Integrated News, emphasizing her determination. Eala, currently ranked No. 140, continues to blaze a trail not just for herself but also as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in the Philippines.
The journey hasn’t been easy, and Eala’s rise has been supported by her training at Rafael Nadal’s academy, where she has honed her skills against some of the best in the world. This victory is proving that the investment in her career is beginning to bear fruit.
Furthermore, as the only Filipino player on the professional tennis tour aged below 1000 in the WTA rankings, Eala has stepped into a role that makes her a national symbol in a sport often overshadowed by boxing in the Philippines.
Looking ahead, Eala has a tough challenge against either Madison Keys or Elina Avanesyan, who were scheduled to compete after her match against Ostapenko. Regardless of the outcome, Eala’s victory has already made headlines, reaffirming her status as a rising star.
The Filipino tennis sensation, with her emotional win, is not only making her country proud but is also attracting attention in the international sports community. Her future in tennis looks promising, providing hope and inspiration as she follows in the footsteps of athletes like Manny Pacquiao, who achieved legendary status in boxing.
