In a landmark moment for Philippine tennis, 19-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Eala has etched her name into the annals of the sport. On March 23, 2025, at the Miami Open, the 19-year old Filipina tennis player, ranked world No. 134, delivered a stunning performance by defeating Madison Keys, the reigning Australian Open champion and WTA World No. 5, in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2.
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This victory marks a series of historic firsts: Eala becomes the first Filipino to triumph over a top-10 opponent in the Open Era and the first player ranked outside the top 100 to reach the Round of 16 in a WTA 1000 event this season. Just days prior, she showcased her burgeoning talent by ousting 25th seed and former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.
Game-Changer
Training at Rafael Nadal’s academy since 2018, she clinched the US Open girls’ singles title in 2022. Her recent ascent in the professional circuit has been meteoric, with the Miami Open spotlighting her as a formidable contender on the global stage.
Reflecting on her monumental win, she said, “I feel like growing up, it was tough because you didn’t have anyone from where you’re from to pave the way. Of course, you have many people to look up to around the world, but I hope that this takes Philippines tennis to another step.”
Historically, Filipino tennis players have faced challenges breaking into the upper echelons of the sport. Felicisimo Ampon, often hailed as the greatest Filipino tennis player, made significant strides in the mid-20th century but never achieved a top-10 victory of this magnitude.
Raising the Racket
Tennis has long been dominated by powerhouse nations like the U.S., Spain, and Russia. For a player from the Philippines—a country where basketball reigns supreme—to defeat one of the sport’s biggest names is a game-changing moment. It sends a message: Filipino athletes can compete at the highest level, even in a sport where infrastructure, funding, and mainstream attention have often been lacking.
A win like this changes the conversation. It forces people to pay attention, opens doors for sponsorships, and inspires the next generation to pick up a racket.
As Eala advances to the Round of 16, she is set to face Spanish 10th seed Paula Badosa. The tennis world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the next move in this young Filipina’s journey.
To learn more about Alex Eala’s win and her next performance, visit the Women’s Tennis Association website.
Photos: ALEX EALA, WTA, and MIAMI OPEN (via Instagram)
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