Miami, USA – Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala wrapped up her remarkable campaign in the 2025 Miami Open after pushing World No. 4 Jessica Pegula to the brink in a grueling three-set semifinal on Friday. Pegula eventually secured a hard-fought 7-6 (3), 7-5, 6-3 victory to advance to the final.
Despite the loss, the 19-year-old Eala made history as the first Filipino to reach the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event, defeating three Grand Slam champions along the way. Her fearless performance against Pegula, a 2024 US Open runner-up, further cemented her reputation as a rising star in women’s tennis.
“I’m so tired. So, so tired,” Pegula admitted after the match. “She [Eala] is really good, takes the ball early, competes really well. She’s beaten a lot of top players this week.”
Eala’s inspiring run captivated Filipino fans in Miami, who cheered her on as she pumped her fists and waved to the crowd after the match.
Pegula will now face Aryna Sabalenka in the final, but Eala’s historic performance has made her one to watch in the tennis world.
