Alex Eala suffers cramps, bows out of Miami Open qualifying

Photo from Alex Eala’s Facebook

MANILA, Philippines—Alex Eala came close to entering the main draw of the 2024 Miami Open before faltering in the second round of the qualifiers against Colombia’s Emiliana Arango on Tuesday (Manila time).

After dominating the first set, Eala appeared well on her way to advancing after taking a 5-3 lead.

But she lost steam after suffering from cramps, allowing Arango to recover and claim a comeback win.

READ: Alex Eala rises to new career-best in WTA rankings

Eala, who turns 19 on Saturday, was coming off a big victory over Italy’s Sara Errani, who’s ranked 97th in the WTA, 6-3, 6-1, on Monday.

It marked Eala’s first win over a top 100 player that also booked her maiden appearance in the final qualifying round of a WTA 1000 event.

The world No. 123 Arango moved on to face Germany’s Tatjana Maria in the main tournament.