Alex Eala sets up Miami Open duel with German ace

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Alex Eala is looking to continue her tremendous Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) campaign when she clashes with Germany’s Laura Siegemund in the Round of 64 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

After receiving a first-round bye in the tournament, Eala aims to pick up where she left off against the veteran German tactician to book an early Round of 32 berth.

If Eala surpasses the Siegemund test, she will complete a hat trick of Round of 32 qualifications following favorable results in Dubai and Indian Wells.

The 20-year-old is coming off a Round of 16 finish in the Indian Wells Open before reaching the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Eala will have a tough task at hand as the German bet is fresh off a straight-set first-round victory over Petra Marcinko of Croatia, 6-4, 6-4.

Both players have contrasting styles, with Eala opting to dictate the pace of the match with her heavy groundstrokes, while Siegemund sets the tone with her efficient service games and unorthodox approach to the net.

Eala is yet to break a sweat in Miami, while Siegemund already passed her first test with flying colors, showcasing her net prowess, backstopped by a steadier groundstroke-hitting performance.

Siegemund played at a slower pace in her match against Marcinko but inflicted damage as the contest progressed with her clinical and tactical approach.

The German’s ability to break serve also stood out, as she broke Marcinko’s serve four times to complete a 70-point offensive performance.

In retrospect, it was at the Miami Open last year that Eala achieved one of her most notable accomplishments, defeating three former Grand Slam champions: Iga Swiatek, Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys.

Can Eala repeat that feat and shock Miami once again this year?