By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Alex Eala’s dream run at the 2025 Miami Open ended on the wee hours of Friday, March 28, after yielding to world No. 4 Jessica Pegula, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-3, in the semifinals before an energetic crowd at the Stadium.
The 19-year-old Filipina tennis sensation put up a gallant stand with her relentless shots armed with a load of conviction, before falling to a more experienced opponent.
A victory for Eala could have set her up a fairy tale championship match against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who earlier swept Jasmine Paolini, 6-2, 6-2.
Still, Eala’s feat was one for the books as she debuts in the Top 100 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings at No. 75 and goes home with $332,160 (around P19.1 million) cash earnings.
