MIAMI GARDENS March 29, 2025, United States: Philippines rising star Alexandra Eala’s inspiring run at the Miami Open ended with a hard-fought three-set loss to Jessica Pegula in the semifinals on Thursday.
In an intense 2-hour, 24-minute battle, fourth-seeded American Pegula secured a 7-6 (7/3), 5-7, 6-3 victory to advance to Saturday’s final against world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who powered past Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2.
The 19-year-old Eala, ranked 140th, had only two WTA main draw wins before the tournament but stunned three Grand Slam champions—Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and world number two Iga Swiatek—to become the lowest-ranked semifinalist in event history.
Despite Pegula breaking for a 3-1 lead in the second set, Eala responded with determination, breaking back and ultimately taking the set. In the final set, both players held serve until Eala’s forehand faltered, allowing Pegula to break at 5-3 before closing out the match.
“Of course, there’s disappointment,” Eala said. “But I’m choosing to focus on the positives. I gave everything I had, I have no regrets.”
Playing with a strapped thigh, Eala also rolled her ankle in the second set but said it did not affect her performance. “I’m like a mummy, but I fought until the end,” she added.
Pegula acknowledged Eala’s tenacity, saying, “She started going for her shots, and I just had to weather the storm.”
Meanwhile, Sabalenka needed only 71 minutes to defeat sixth-seeded Paolini, serving six aces and breaking serve four times. Having previously lost the Indian Wells and Australian Open finals, the Belarusian is eager to secure the Miami title.
“I was super focused today, and everything went smoothly,” said Sabalenka, who aims to improve on her past final defeats. “This time, I believe I’m going to do better.”
She becomes only the sixth woman to reach both finals in the American ‘Sunshine Swing’ in the same season.