Filipina tennis star Alex Eala credits her faith, self-belief, and trust in her team as key factors in her historic run so far in the 2025 Miami Open.
Alex Eala has gone through plenty of ups and downs in her young tennis career.
Earlier this year, Eala suffered a string of setbacks in various WTA 125s and 250 tournaments.
The 2022 US Open junior champion also absorbed heartbreak after heartbreak in Grand Slam qualifiers as a senior.
As she finally gets her big moment in the 2025 Miami Open, the 19-year-old Filipina tennis star attributes much of her success to her unyielding faith, both in herself and in the journey that has led her to this moment.
Fresh off a stunning 6-2, 7-5 quarterfinal victory over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, Eala reflected on the mindset that has carried her through.
“I think I've been loving the way that I'm out there on court and I'm trusting my shots, and I have a great team to tell me that I can do it. That’s the secret, I guess,” Eala said in an interview on Tennis Channel.
[ALSO READ: Alex Eala plays match of a lifetime to upset world no. 2 Iga Swiatek: 'Forever in my heart']
Facing some of the game’s most dominant players, including Swiatek, No. 5 Madison Keys, and No. 25 Jelena Ostapenko, Eala has remained fearless, knowing that setbacks are part of the process.
“Take it early and not be afraid. Not be afraid to miss,” she said of returning Swiatek’s powerful serve. “She has a great serve, Madison had a great serve, Yelena had a great serve, so it's normal that I would miss some, I would frame some, I would miss three meters out. But I cannot be afraid to continue what I know I have to do.”
More than just confidence, Eala sees faith as an anchor that keeps her grounded through both triumphs and challenges.
“I think faith, belief, and self-esteem, they all come as a pack. That’s what’s going to get you through the tough times, and belief is what will push you through the good moments like this week.”
[ALSO READ: Alex Eala set to enter WTA top 100 after stunning world no. 2 Iga Swiatek]
With a semifinal clash looming against No. 4 Jessica Pegula, Eala understands that the road ahead will only get tougher. But she remains prepared to give everything she has.
“It will take everything. Just because I won this match and the match before doesn’t mean the next match is gonna be any less tough. If anything, it will be even more tough. So it will take everything I have.”
Eala’s semifinal match against Pegula is set tomorrow, March 28 at 8:30 a.m. (Manila time).