“True champion,” Boxing great Manny Pacquiao lauds Alexandra Eala for her sensational run at the Miami Open

Jessica Pegula ended Alexandra Eala's Cinderella fairytale run in 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-3 in the semi-finals of the Miami Open.

“True champion,” Boxing great Manny Pacquiao lauds Alexandra Eala for her sensational run at the Miami Open

Alexandra Eala and Manny Pacquiao (X/BBC)

Alexandra Eala’s incredible Cinderella fairytale run at the Miami Open came to an end after losing to Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals. The Philippine star has been the focus of the tournament since knocking out three Grand Slam champions. Despite the defeat, she was lauded by fellow compatriot and boxing great Manny Pacquiao.

Eala first made her mark at the Miami Open after stunning Jelena Ostapenko in the second round. She continued with the momentum in the third and outplayed Australian Open champion Madison Keys to grab her first Top 10 victory. She then ousted World No.2 Iga Swiatek 6-2, 7-5 in the quarter-finals of the WTA 1000 tournament.

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On Thursday (March 27), she faced Pegula in the semi-final. The Philippine star played her best tennis, pushing Pegula deep into her baseline but lost the first set. However, she regained control in the second set beating the American after a tiebreak, but Pegula went ahead to seal the victory 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-3 in two hours and 24 minutes.

After the match, the 19-year-old was excited with her performance, as the crowd cheered her for her great run at the event. Boxing great Manny Pacquiao took to social media to applaud her display, adding that the future is bright for her.

You may not have made the finals, but you won the hearts of the world, Alex Eala! The whole nation is proud. This is just the beginning. Keep fighting and inspiring. You’ve shown the heart of a true champion. Laban lang! The future is bright for you. Proud na proud kami sa’yo!

Manny Pacquiao wrote via X

Eala entered into the Miami Open ranked World No.140; she will break into the Top 100 for the first time in her career when the WTA rankings are updated. In fact, she is set to become the new World No.75.

Alexandra Eala happy to take the positives from her great run in Miami

Alexandra Eala became the lowest-ranked semi-finalist in the history of the tournament. She fought well against Jessica Pegula but couldn’t prevail in the end. However, she will hope to continue with the form after the Miami Open. She revealed during her press conference that she was disappointed at losing but took the positives home.

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Alexandra Eala (Image via X/Jimmie48 Photography)

Of course there is disappointment right after the match. But there are just so many times in tennis where you have to dig through the dirt to look for the positive and I’m just enjoying because there is so much positive around me and I don’t know how many times that happens. I literally gave everything I had, I’m half tape, I’m like a mummy. I did everything and I have no regrets.

Alexandra Eala said via Miami Open Press

The Filipino star now has to make sure she builds on her accomplishments at the Miami Open. Her feat will surely grant her open doors to several big tournaments with a wildcard. The European clay swing is next and starts in April.

Alexandra Eala earned her biggest singles prize money

Alexandra Eala earned a previous career-high ranking of World No.134 in the WTA rankings. By reaching the semi-finals of the Miami Open, the Rafael Nadal Academy graduate earned 370 points, which has seen her soar 65 places, from 140 to No.75, making her the first player in her nation’s history to break into the Top 100.

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Alexandra Eala (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Also, she has earned the biggest singles prize money of her career. The Philippine star had a total career earning of $498,901 before arriving in Miami; now, she has earned $332,160 in prize money.