Alex Eala reflects on her 2025 Miami Open journey: 'The real work starts now'
Alex Eala, the first Filipino to reach the final four of a Women's Tennis Association 1000 event, reflected on her Cinderella run during the 2025 Miami Open.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 19-year-old tennis phenom shared that she felt grateful after her remarkable two-week experience.
"Wow, this year's [Miami Open] has left me speechless and so full of emotion, mostly pride and gratitude. I'm proud of myself for pushing through those tough moments, as well as to have been able to make a statement for the Philippines in one of the biggest stages of tennis," Eala said.
"I'm thankful for all the positivity coming my way, and I pray that you all continue sending support through the highs and lows. Salamat sa lahat ng pagdadasal at magagandang mensahe."
As with all great successes, Eala said that what lies ahead is just as important as what she has already achieved.
"I recognize that these two weeks have opened the door to so many opportunities for me, but along with those opportunities come a whole new set of obstacles I will have to navigate through."
"The real work starts now," she concluded.
On Friday, March 28 (PH Time), Eala fell short in the semifinals of the Miami tennis tournament, losing to World No. 4, America's Jessica Pegula, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-3.
In a post-match interview on the court, Pegula described Eala as "a really good tennis player."
"[She] goes for her shots, takes the ball early, rips, being a lefty is always tricky, competes really well," she added. "She's beaten a lot of top players this week, I don't really think she needs me to tell her that she's a great player."
With her victory, Pegula is moving on to the final round, where she will compete against World No. 1, Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka.
Eala made history at the games this year.
She defeated former French Open champion and World No. 25 Jelena Ostapenko on March 22.
Last March 24, she defeated Australian Open champion America's Madison Keys, making her the first Filipino to beat a Top 10 opponent since the ranking system came into being 50 years ago.
She won against World No. 2 Iga Swiatek on March 27, which made her advance to the semis.
She made history by becoming the first Filipino to reach the final four of a Women's Tennis Association 1000 event and make it to the top 100 in the WTA rankings.
