Filipina tennis star Alex Eala, 20, had the tournament of her life at this year’s Miami Open. She then struggled during the clay court season with occasional successes most notably as Coco Gauff’s doubles partner at the Italian Open. The pair lost in the quarterfinals to eventual champions Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini.
Despite training at Rafael Nadal’s Academy, Eala admitted that clay is not her most favorite surface; hardcourts are. Her grass court resume and accomplishments are lesser in comparison to the hardcourts. She did not qualify for Wimbledon last year and as a junior player, her best results were second round finishes in singles and doubles.
Next up for Eala at the Lexus Eastbourne Open is a rematch against Jelena Ostapenko who she beat as she becan her miraculous run through the Miami Open draw defeating three Grand Slam champions.
Reliving The Amazing Miami Open Run Of Alex Eala
what a win! 🇵ðŸ‡
Alexandra Eala defeats Ostapenko 7-6(2), 7-5!
#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/IGMbkm9mYP
— wta (@WTA) March 21, 2025
Few knew who Alex Eala was before the 2025 Miami Open. They learned her name and game quickly as she ticked off wins over Ostapenko in the first round, Madison Keys in the second, advanced by a Paula Badosa walkover in the third, and defeated Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals. Jessica Pegula stopped her run with a three set win in the semifinals.
It will be interesting to see if she can defeat Ostapenko for the second time in a few months on a different surface. Eala was the underdog in Miami, but after scoring the upset and vaulting up the rankings to her current World No. 74, more focus will be on her in their rematch.
As she did in Miami, Eala got into the main draw at Eastbourne as a qualifier.
Alex Eala is playing really well on grass. Made her way through qualifying in Eastbourne and gets a VERY good first round win against Bronzetti. Could get Ostapenko next which would be a rematch of their Miami match. pic.twitter.com/TwCQm0ZC2v
— Ground Pass (@GroundPasspod) June 23, 2025
Watch Eala take on Ostapenko in the 2025 Lexus Eastbourne Open Round of 16 on the Tennis Channel at approximately 9:30 AM EDT on June 25.
