Alex Eala turns emotional after stunning 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko to advance to the Miami Open Round of 32.–Photo from the Tennis Channel
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala earned her biggest career win so far.
Eala, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) No. 140, stunned World No. 25 Jeļena Ostapenko of Latvia, 7-6 (2), 7-5, on Saturday (Manila time) to advance to the 2024 Miami Open’s Round of 32.
The 19-year-old Filipino didn’t back down facing the 2017 French Open champion—the highest-ranked player she faced in the pros— as she displayed grace under pressure in the first-set extension to draw first blood.
READ: Alex Eala scores upset in Miami Open main draw debut
what a win! 🇵🇭
Alexandra Eala defeats Ostapenko 7-6(2), 7-5!
#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/IGMbkm9mYP
— wta (@WTA) March 21, 2025
The Rafael Nadal Academy graduate carried her momentum in the second, completing the upset in one hour and 53 minutes.
Even Eala couldn’t believe what had just transpired as she turned emotional after winning the match following a miscue by Ostapenko.
The Philippines’ Alex Eala is congratulated by Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko following their Miami Open match.–Photo from the Tennis Channel
Eala burst into tears, shaking the hand of the former top-five player, and continued to be emotional as she sat down on the bench.
Rafa Nadal, a former World No.1 and 22-time Grand Slam champion, celebrated Eala’s biggest win yet after being the first Filipino netter to defeat a top 30 player.
READ: Alex Eala reaches another career-high in WTA rankings
“Congratulations Alex! What a great win for you and for [the Philippines]! ” Nadal tweeted on X with a clap emoji.
The former US Open girls champion kicked off her Miami Open main draw debut with a 6-3, 7-6(3) upset of World No. 73 Katie Volynets of the United States last Thursday (Manila time).
Eala hopes to continue her impressive run as she battles WTA No. 5 and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the Round of 32.
The 30-year-old Keys took down Elina Avanesyan of Armenia, 6-3, 6-3, to advance.