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Eala stuns World No. 5 Keys to reach Miami Open Round of 16
Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala achieved the biggest milestone of her career, shocking World No. 5 and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory in the Round 32 of the WTA 1000 Miami Open on Monday, March 24 (Manila time).
With this historic win, the 19-year-old became the first Filipina in the Open Era to defeat a top-10 player, earning a spot in the Final 16 of a WTA event for the first time.
"I'm so blank," an emotional Eala said after the match, as Filipino fans in the crowd cheered and waved flags. "I'm thinking of my parents. ‘Mom and Dad, I got it!’ My God."
Keys, a seasoned Grand Slam contender, started strong and controlled the early exchanges, winning four of the first seven games. However, Eala turned the tide with a crucial break in the ninth game to claim the first set, 6-4.
Riding the momentum, the young Filipina dominated the second set, breaking Keys twice—first at 3-2, then again at 5-2—before sealing the match in just 1 hour and 27 minutes.
PHOTO COURTESY: WTA
“I knew I could win from the start, but the chances were low given that she’s a great player. I think my belief and trust in myself pushed me through,” she shared with Tennis Channel.
Eala’s sharp play was evident as she limited herself to just one double fault, compared to Keys’ four, while also capitalizing on her opponent’s unforced errors at crucial moments.
The victory not only secured her a career-best run but also a significant six-figure payday. However, the road ahead remains tough, as she is set to face former World No. 2 Paula Badosa on Tuesday morning (Manila time) for a place in the quarterfinals.
Badosa, currently ranked No. 11, booked her Round of 16 ticket with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) win over Denmark’s Clara Tauson.
Eala remains focused despite the challenge ahead. “There have been times when I won a big match but couldn’t follow it up. I don’t want to let that happen again,” she admitted. “I worked for this opportunity, and I have to take full advantage.”
As she prepares for another tough battle, Eala knows the job is far from done. “Almost thinking about the next match already,” she said, ready for the next step in her breakthrough tournament.
