“She’s a breath of fresh air,” Tennis legend tips Alexandra Eala for greatness after dream Miami Open run
Alexandra Eala became the first Filipino to beat three Grand Slam champions in a tournament after reaching the semi-finals of Miami Open.
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Alexandra Eala (Image via X/CGTN Sports Scene)
Alexandra Eala enjoyed a dream run at the Miami Open, beating three Grand Slam champions en route to the semi-finals. The 19-year-old Filipino became the first player to earn the record wins and caught the eyes of tennis fans. Tennis legend Mats Wilander reveals that the teenager is a breath of fresh air to the WTA.
Before arriving in Miami, Eala had only two WTA Tour victories in her career. The former US Open Junior champion received a wildcard into the WTA 1000 tournament and made good use of it. She first caught the attention of tennis fans after beating Jelena Ostapenko in the second round of the tournament.
She then moved with the momentum and claimed her first Top 10 victory against Madison Keys in the third round. The stunning victory gave her the courage against Iga Swiatek and she made it a special day in her life by beating the World No.2 in straight sets to reach her first WTA semi-finals.
During a conversation, Mats Wilander, who was clearly impressed with what he saw from the 19-year-old Philippine, revealed that she was a fresh air to the sport. He added that she’s going to become a great player in the future.
To me, Eala is such a breath of fresh air and I don’t think that she’s going to go away, she’s too smart, her talent is too good, she’s too gifted. She learned how to win when she was 12, so that’s not a problem. We’re going to love watching her develop into a great player, because I do think that she’s going to become one.
Mats Wilander said via TNT Sports
However, Eala’s fairytale run in Miami ended in the semi-finals against Jessica Pegula. The 19-year-old fell to the American in three sets but broke into the Top 100 of the WTA rankings. She currently sits at World No.72.
Mats Wilander says Alexandra Eala “has hands given by God” after Miami fairytale run
Alexandra Eala’s strength on the court was her serve and her ability to make sure her opponent remained at their baseline. The 19-year-old’s technique of hitting strong and deep to the opponent side made it easy to overpower them and claim the victory easily. During the aforementioned discussion, Mats Wilander stated that she played on the court like someone who has hands given by God.
With Alexandra Eala, we’re talking about someone who has hands given by God. She understands the game as good as any player on tour. She reminds me of Marcelo Rios, where the talent is just boiling out of the fingers and boiling out of her hand, and she can do anything. And then the reason I say Marcelo Rios is, of course, she’s left-handed. In the women’s game, that is so cool that we have someone that comes out that does all these things that maybe [Aryna] Sabalenka and Swiatek are not great at doing. They’re great at other things.
Mats Wilander said
Eala’s performance at the Miami Open will continue to be remembered among tennis fans and lovers. She will hope to continue with her form at the European clay swing.
Alexandra Eala thrust into the limelight of fame after Miami
Alexandra Eala may have left Miami without a title but she’s surely smiling wherever she is. The Filipino star has been thrust into the limelight of fame and her Instagram following swelled to over 350k in just a week. Nike, who are sponsors have also announced that they will upgrade their deal with her.
In the Philippines, she was adored on the front covers of glossy magazines, including Vogue and Tatler. She can now expect to receive adored treatment from her home country and will be keen to make an impact with it.
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