Alex Eala after Miami Open dream run: 'Real work starts now'

Mar 27, 2025; Alex Eala waves to fans while leaving the court after her match against Jessica Pegula in a women's singles semifinal of the Miami Open. (Photo: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images/REUTERS)

A proud and grateful Alex Eala said new challenges are coming after her dream run in the Miami Open.

The 19-year old Filipina tennis ace reached the semis of the Miami Open where she defeated higher-ranked players, including three Grand Slam champions in Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and world no. 2 Iga Swiatek along the way. However, she fell to eventual finalist Jessica Pegula.

READ MORE | Alex Eala at the 2025 Miami Open

"Wow, this year’s Miami Open has left me speechless and so full of emotion, mostly pride and gratitude," Eala said on the caption of her social media post Sunday.

"I’m proud of myself for pushing through those tough moments, as well as to have been able to make a statement for the Philippines in one of the biggest stages of tennis. Moreover, I’m thankful for all the positivity coming my way, and I pray that you all continue sending support through the highs and lows. Salamat sa lahat ng pagdadasal at magagandang mensahe."

Eala added that her new achievements will also bring new challenges to her career.

"I recognize that these two weeks have opened the door to so many opportunities for me, but along with those opportunities come a whole new set of obstacles I will have to navigate through."

"The real work starts now."

Eala is currently at no. 140 in the world rankings and is expected to enter the top 100 soon. She is also expected to earn USD 332,160 and 390 ranking points.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News

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