Filipino athletes, celebrities celebrate Alex Eala's historic win in Miami Open
Alex Eala has made history by becoming the first Filipino to reach the final four of a Women's Tennis Association 1000 event and to make it to the top 100 of WTA rankings after defeating world No. 2 Iga Swiatek during the Miami Open on March 27 (Philippine time).
The 19-year-old tennis ace, who is ranked No. 140, is advancing to the semis to face world No. 4 Jessica Pegula next.
"I don’t know what to say," Eala said in her on-court interview. "I mean, complete just disbelief right now and I am on cloud nine."
"It's forever in my heart," she added.
Prior to this, she also defeated her former French Open champion and world No. 25 Jelena Ostapenko and reigning Australian Open champion and world No. 5 Madison Keys.
Retired Spanish player Rafael Nadal, former world No. 1, praised Eala on X. The Pinay tennis star graduated from Nadal's academy in 2023.
“We are extremely proud of you, Alex. What an incredible tournament! Let’s keep dreaming!” he wrote.
👏🏻 We are extremely proud of you, Alex.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 26, 2025
What an incredible tournament! Let’s keep dreaming! 💪🏼 https://t.co/OlQXYRjO4f
Eala's historic feat has also left Filipino athletes and celebrities rejoicing and echoing Filipino pride. Pinoy Olympians Sam Catantan, Bianca Pagdanganan, and gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz expressed their support and praises for the tennis player via their Instagram stories.
Food content creator Erwan Heussaff also reshared Eala's winning moment with the caption, "[Alex Eala] killing it!"
Filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone also reshared Eala's video, saying, "['Di] siya makapaniwala. Totoo ito [Alex Eala]!"
Other celebrities, including David Licauco, Jake Ejercito, and Sarah Lahbati, also showed their support on their Instagram stories.
For her part, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2016 Nicole Cordoves wrote, "Looking at the Philippine flag on the scoreboard while watching the game already brings so much pride. Mabuhay ka [Alex Eala]."
Eala is advancing to the semifinals, where she will compete against World No. 4 Jessica Pegula from America. The upcoming match will take place on March 28 at 8:30 a.m. (Philippine time).
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Eala said she's looking forward to facing either Raducanu or Pegula, but acknowledged that they're challenging opponents.
"It's going to be difficult. Either way, a set of problems will be presented, and I have to step up. I have to deal with them. If it doesn't happen, then it doesn't happen," she said.
"All I can say is I'm so excited, and I am willing to die on the court tomorrow," she joked.
