Alexandra Eala of the Philippines celebrates a point won against Jessica Pegula during their match on Day 10 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 27, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Al Bello, Getty Images/AFP 

MANILA -- Young Filipina tennis player Alex Eala is ready to build on her experiences from the Miami Open, which saw her reach the semifinals as a wild card.

In an interview with her uncle, Noli Eala, on Power and Play, the tennis star admitted that she did not expect to reach the semis. While hopes were high, she said she had to be strategic with her gameplay as the bracket consisted of star-studded players. 

Eala is also flattered that she is now being recognized by other pro tennis players after her historic run.

Asked to assess her performance, Eala believes that she has been improving in different areas, such as her fitness, serve, and quality of shots. While it took some time to hone these improvements on the court, she ensured that she has been playing well, emphasizing her trust in herself and her game.

"I'm the underdog. Yes, there's nothing to lose. And I have to take advantage in this time of my life na wala pang pressure. And along the road, of course, as I get better, as Billie Jean King said, pressure is a privilege. So, you know, if down the road, I feel that because I'm top 10, top 5, and I'm the big dog, then that's also a blessing. So either way, you have to look at the positive," she answered when asked about her mentality during the Miami Open.

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As a result of her run to the semifinals, Eala is now in the top 75 of the WTA rankings, and the 19-year-old is overjoyed that she got to achieve this goal early in the year.

"But of course, we keep evolving, you know, there's so many more goals to be set in place. I definitely need time to reevaluate the goals for this year, but one thing is constant, which is that I have to keep working," she continued.

The young Eala said that there will be changes in her calendar as she now has opportunities for bigger tournaments given by her current ranking. She also stated that she, her family, and team will work together to make these opportunities possible.

Eala is currently preparing for the clay season, with tournaments set in Portugal and Spain. 

"I'm happy to say that I'm perfectly healthy. I did have a bad fall noong second set against Pegula, and I guess I am really lucky that it wasn't because those types of falls are really the ones that get you with the trauma injuries," Eala said. 

As for a new type of pressure after her success in the Miami Open, Eala said that she does not feel overwhelmed, as she is still in the beginning of her tennis career. She is also grateful to receive support from local and international fans as she navigates a new road.

Moreover, Eala believes that she is the same person even after her success in the Miami Open -- just with more experience.

"The difference now, I guess, is that when I'm on court and I'm facing them, I'm able to look at them as objectively as players and I'm able to see the game. I'm able to see what I'm supposed to do, how I'm supposed to do it instead of [thinking], 'oh, it's one of the great players,'" she said.

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