Alex Eala moves to fourth round in Miami Open after winning against Poland's Magda Linette
It's another hurdle conquered for Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala as she has punched her ticket to the fourth round of the Miami Open after outplaying Poland’s Magda Linette.
During the Round of 32 of the WTA 1000 Miami Open on Sunday (Philippine time), Eala took the first set with a 6-3 score. The second set went down to the wire, with Linette taking a late lead, but Eala held her serve to stay level and force a tiebreak.
Eala, currently at a career-high world No. 29, took control in the tiebreak to close out the match, 6-3, 7-6, and advance to the next round.
In an interview after the match, Eala reflected on her growth as a player and her ability to handle high-pressure situations.
"I think I’ve matured a lot in the last year. I’ve been out in a lot of high-pressure moments, a lot of big stages, which I’m so grateful for and wouldn’t trade for the world," she said.
"Being back in the fourth round, it makes me feel the same as I did last year. I’m so happy. I’m so excited. It’s such a privilege to be back in Miami," she added.
This isn't the first time that Eala and Linette have faced off in court. The two first met in the Round of 32 at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Open, where Linette took a tight first-set tiebreak to win 7-6(4), 6-1.
She again won in June 2025, securing a 6-4, 6-3 victory during another Round of 32 clash at the Nottingham Open. However, Eala finally turned the tide this January at the ASB Classic in Auckland with a 6-3, 6-2 win.
With her victory, Eala is now set to compete against Karolína Muchová of the Czech Republic, who is currently ranked no. 14.