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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider 'Fresh as a flower': Alex Eala advances to third round in Miami Open

'Fresh as a flower': Alex Eala advances to third round in Miami Open

Published Mar 20, 2026 07:29 am

At A Glance

  • Fresh yet battle-tested, Alex Eala likened her return to feeling "like a flower," and she proved just as resilient on court as she outhustled Grand Slam veteran Laura Siegemund, 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-3, to advance to the third round of the Miami Open on Friday, March 20 (Philippine time).
Alex Eala (File Photo)
Alex Eala (File Photo)
Life in sport often unfolds like a season in bloom -- some moments seem to fade, only to reveal a comeback waiting to happen, while others are still building toward their peak or beginning again.
Fresh yet battle-tested, Alex Eala likened her return to feeling “like a flower,” and she proved just as resilient on court as she outhustled Grand Slam veteran Laura Siegemund, 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-3, to advance to the third round of the Miami Open on Friday, March 20 (Philippine time).
After a heartbreaking opening set where she squandered an early 3-0 lead, the Filipina ace dug deep and roared back by imposing her will in the next two frames, ultimately draining the fight out of the 38-year-old unseeded German in their grueling three-hour, 20-minute Round of 64 clash.
The victory over the former doubles Grand Slam champion also marked Eala’s second straight trip to the third round of the tournament—a stage where she previously stunned reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys, 6-4, 6-2.
The win could also set the stage for a blockbuster rematch, with the 31st seeded Eala potentially facing world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, who was slated to take on fellow Polish Magda Linette as of press time.
Just a year ago, Eala turned heads after dispatching Grand Slam champions including Swiatek, 6-2, 7-5, in the quarterfinals.
“It means the world to me and it says a lot about my progress and how I've developed as a player and as a person,” said Eala during the post-match, on-court interview.
“I came into Miami last year as a wildcard, now I'm in the third round again. So I'm really, really happy and especially having been able to compete at this level today against an amazing fighter so I'm really happy,” she added.
After squandering a 3-0 cushion and multiple chances to close the set, Eala found herself locked in a nip-and-tuck battle that spilled into a tiebreak. She erased a 2-5 deficit to force a 6-all deadlock, but the seasoned German leaned on her veteran poise to claim the final two points and steal the opener.
But it only fueled Eala’s resolve, showcasing her firepower and brilliance, converting two break points on her way to claiming the second set and forging a decider.
The third set proved just as tough, pulling away from a 4-1 lead that she ultimately preserved.
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