Filipina tennister Alex Eala hopes to keep going on her sensational run to the Round of 16 at the Miami Open as she takes on Spain's Paula Badosa.
After a stunning run of upsets, Alex Eala continues to turn heads at the Miami Open 2025, where she is now set to face world no. 11 Paula Badosa in the Round of 16. The match is scheduled for 7 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25 (Manila time) as the 19-year-old Filipina looks to keep her Cinderella story alive.
Eala, ranked world no. 140 before the tournament, has shattered expectations with three consecutive upset victories, including a 6-2, 6-2, triumph over world no. 5 and Australian Open champion Madison Keys—making her the first Filipina to defeat a top-10 player in WTA history.
Prior to this year, she had never won a main draw match in Miami. Now, she stands just one win away from a quarterfinals berth.
Following her career-defining victory over Keys, Eala spoke about the emotions surrounding her breakthrough:
“My mind is kind of still in the match, and I'm just in disbelief. I knew I could win from the start, but the chances were low given that [Madison’s] a great player. But I think my belief and the trust I had in myself is what pushed me through.”
Her next challenge, however, will not be any easier. Badosa, a former world no. 2, is an experienced competitor with four WTA singles titles to her name.
The Spanish star has proven herself on big stages before, and with her powerful baseline game and defensive skills, she presents a new test for Eala.
While Badosa holds the edge in experience, Eala has all the momentum.
Can the young Filipina continue her remarkable run and take down another tennis powerhouse? The world will be watching when they step onto the court in Miami.
(With reports from Luisa Morales)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]