FILIPINA teen Alex Eala cemented a historic win when she defeated fifth seed American player Madison Keys 6-4, 6-2 at the Miami Open on Sunday.
The 19-year-old wildcard became the first Filipina to beat a top-10 opponent since the WTA rankings began in 1975.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Eala celebrated the milestone with a heartfelt embrace with her team.
Eala, the 2022 US Open girls’ singles champion, has been training at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca since she was 13. With this win, she advances to face Spain’s Paula Badosa for a spot in the quarterfinals.
“Growing up, it was tough,” Eala shared in her on-court interview.
“You didn’t have anyone from where you’re from to pave the way. Of course, you had people to look up to around the world, but I hope this takes Filipino tennis to the next step.”
Keys, still struggling with her form after a tough loss to Aryna Sabalenka in the Indian Wells semifinals, admitted she was far from her best.
“My serve wasn’t really there today, and I just kind of felt a little flat,” said the American. “When you’re playing someone who makes a ton of balls back and absorbs pace really well, that’s not a recipe for success.”
Meanwhile, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek overcame a determined Elise Mertens, securing a 7-6 (7/2), 6-1 victory to reach the last 16 of a WTA 1000 tournament for a record 25th consecutive time.
