Filipino tennis player Alex Eala advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Miami Open after world No. 11 Paula Badosa of Spain pulled out of their Round of 16 match on Tuesday (Manila time) due to a lower back injury.
The 19-year-old Eala secured a career-defining victory by defeating world No. 5 Madison Keys, 6-4, 6-2, to eliminate the American from the WTA 1000 Miami Open.
She also achieved a remarkable win over world No. 25 and 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the earlier rounds, defeating her 7-6 (2), 7-5.
Eala expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported her throughout the competition, describing the past few days as "completely amazing."
"It’s crazy to think that I made my main draw debut here in 2021 and now into the quarterfinals," Eala stated in an interview with Women's Tennis Association (WTA).
"It’s such a full circle moment and I hope you guys can all support and come along on the journey," she added.
Earlier in an exclusive interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos, former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Noli Eala confirmed Alex Eala's advancement to the quarterfinals. He expressed his immence pride for the Filipina athlete.
"Pasok na ho tayo at ang dala-dala niyang bandila ay syempre ang ating bansa, sa Pilipinas. Kaya naman tayong lahat dito sa Pilipinas ay tuwang-tuwa sapagkat ito ang kauna-unahang Pilipino na nakapasok ng quarterfinals ng isang major tournament at ika nga ay nakatalo ng grand slam champions noong araw," he added.
Eala is poised to face the winner of the match between world No. 2 Iga Swiatek of Poland and No. 22 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.
