Camille Naredo

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines returns a shot during day two of the Miami open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 19, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - MARCH 19: Alexandra Eala of the Philippines returns a shot during day two of the Miami open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 19, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida.   Carmen Mandato/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Carmen Mandato / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Article (news)

Miami Open Presented by Itau 2025 - Day 2

ABS-CBN News

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala on Saturday scored the biggest win of her career when she ousted former Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko in the second round of the Miami Open.Eala, 19, recovered from a 0-4 hole in the opening set to carve out a 7-6, 7-5 triumph. &quot;I am super overwhelmed right now. I&#x27;m still trying to process. This win means so much to me ... It leaves me wanting more,&quot; Eala told Dyan Castillejo of ABS-CBN News following her win. <div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2025/3/21/alex-eala-earns-major-upset-beats-world-25-jelena-ostapenko-in-miami-open-2nd-round-1336">READ: Alex Eala earns major upset, beats World #25 Jelena Ostapenko in Miami Open 2nd round</a></div>Eala said she had not been surprised by Ostapenko&#x27;s fast start, but she never lost the confidence that she could overcome the early deficit.&quot;I just had to believe that I could do it and stay there. She is the type of player that can crack winners and can take huge leads. I think the belief in myself was a key in this match,&quot; said the Filipina.Eala&#x27;s exploits earned praise from tennis icon Rafael Nadal, under whose academy she had trained.&quot;What a great win for you and for [the Philippines],&quot; Nadal said in <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://x.com/rafaelnadal/status/1903211969034809521?s=46">a social media post</a>.Up next for Eala is a showdown against reigning Australian Open champion and world No. 5 Madison Keys, who defeated Russia&#x27;s Elina Avanesyan in her own second round match.

Eala said she had not been surprised by Ostapenko's fast start, but she never lost the confidence that she could overcome the early deficit.

Eala said she had not been surprised by Ostapenko's fast start, but she never lost the confidence that she could overcome the early deficit.

Alex Eala reflects on upset vs. Ostapenko -- 'I just had to believe'

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Sports

Alex Eala reflects on upset vs. Ostapenko -- 'I just had to believe'

ABS-CBN News

Published March 22, 2025 01:50 PM PHT

|

Updated March 22, 2025 02:00 PM PHT

Read More:

abssports

absnews

tennis

Alex Eala

Miami Open

Jelena Ostapenko

Madison Keys

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.