Alex Eala's dream run in Miami Open ends after semis loss

Metro Manila, Philippines - Alex Eala concluded her dream run in the 2025 Miami Open after losing to world No. 4 Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, 6(3)-7, 7-5, 3-6, on Friday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

The 19-year-old Eala ended her streak of beating top players, including former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys, and world No. 2 Iga Swiatek.

Eala is already guaranteed of taking home $332,160 (about P19 million) in prize money and a giant leap to her career rankings, currently at No. 75 in the live rankings, which is expected to be updated in the coming days.

Pegula overcame a slow start as Eala struggled to keep her early 5-2 lead in the first set. The American was able to force a tiebreak at 6-all then pulled away to seven points.

Despite twisting her left ankle, Eala battled through and rallied in every point to take the second set and force a decider.

It was a tight contest in the third set until Eala paid the price for committing too many unforced errors as Pegula separated herself with a commanding 5-3 edge en route to the victory.

Pegula will be facing world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the finals on Saturday, March 29.