Eala outlasts Siegemund in three sets at Miami Open

Filipina tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala advanced to the Round of 32 of the Miami Open after outlasting Germany’s Laura Siegemund, 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-3, in a three-hour and twenty-minute battle early Friday (Philippine time) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Eala came out firing in the opening set, holding serve confidently and breaking early to race to a 3-0 lead. Her aggressive baseline play, highlighted by multiple down-the-line backhand winners, kept Siegemund on the defensive. But the experienced German slowly found her rhythm, mixing in net approaches and forcing extended rallies to claw her way back into the set.

Despite holding four set points, including one in the tiebreak, Eala was unable to close it out. Siegemund capitalized on key errors and edged the tiebreaker 8-6 to steal the first set.

Eala regrouped in the second set, securing an early break and maintaining control with strong service games, including a pair of love-holds. Staying aggressive on returns, she broke again late in the set to seal it 6-3 and force a decider.

“I really had to dig deep,” she said after the match. “I know that Laura is such a fighter, so I’m happy with my patience and my strength—both physically and mentally today.”

The third set saw Eala elevate her level even further. She saved break points early before taking control with an aggressive return game to go up 2-0. While Siegemund briefly threatened with a break of her own, Eala responded immediately and never relinquished momentum. Another break pushed her ahead 3-1, and she continued to dictate play with composed shot-making and timely serving.

Serving for the match at 5-3, Eala stayed steady to close out the victory and complete the comeback.

After the match, Eala reflected on her growth and mindset since her breakout appearance in Miami last year.

“It means the world to me and it tested out my progress… I have improved as a person from last year. I’m really happy, especially to have been able to compete today—going against an amazing fighter,” she said.

Even after dropping the first set, the Filipina remained steady in her mindset.

“All the work’s been done before this tournament,” Eala explained. “Even when I lost the first set, I was just like—that was a good first set. She played well when it counted.”

“I think it’s been a progression,” she said. “Seeing the work I put in behind the scenes come to life on court… even when I lose, it’s always part of the process.”

Now back in Miami where she made her breakthrough run last year, Eala said she is embracing both the expectations and the support that come with it.

“There’s definitely pressure coming back,” she admitted. “But I’m happy because I’ve been doing well throughout the year, this isn’t the tournament where everything’s on the line.”

Eala will next face a familiar foe in Poland’s Magda Linette, who upset compatriot Iga Swiatek in three sets, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3. Eala last beat Linette at the ASB Classic in Auckland with a 6-3, 6-2 victory to reach the semifinals. The Filipina had previously lost both of her earlier meetings with Linette, at Nottingham in 2025 and Abu Dhabi in 2024.

Eala, who spoke to the media prior to the Linette-Swiatek match, said she is looking forward to matching up against either Polish star again.

“The fact that I’m able to put myself in a position where a potential match up with Iga or even Magda is a possibility I think that’s a really positive sign for me especially after today’s match,” Eala said.

The second-round win marks a strong start to Eala’s Miami Open campaign, showcasing both her mental toughness and continued development against seasoned competition as she continues her first full season on tour.