Tennis sensation Alexandra Eala shares one of her ‘big’ career goals following her fairytale run in Miami

Alexandra Eala made a name for herself on tour after her fairytale semi-final run at the WTA 1000 Miami Open.

Tennis sensation Alexandra Eala shares one of her ‘big’ career goals following her fairytale run in Miami

Alexandra Eala (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Alexandra Eala has had the tennis world at her feet after her fairytale run at the Miami Open. The 19-year-old produced a stunning performance at the WTA 1000, which fans will never forget in a hurry. She has now set her sights on achieving one big goal in the next few years, which is representing her country, the Philippines at the Olympics.

Eala made a name for herself by reaching the semi-finals of the Miami Open. The teenager received a wildcard into the tournament and went on to defeat three Grand Slam winners en route to the last four. First, she defeated Jelena Ostapenko in the second round and followed it up with a win over the Australian Open champion Madison Keys.

YouTube video

After that, she stunned five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals. Her run eventually ended in the semi-finals after Jessica Pegula overcame her in three sets. However, her fairytale run at the tournament was enough to help her leapfrog into the WTA top 100 for the first time in her career.

She currently sits as the World No.73 in the WTA rankings. With so many expectations for her, Eala has set her sights on a big goal she hopes to achieve by continuing to climb up the rankings.

I think that the Olympics is such a big event. It’s definitely one of my goals to represent the country there. So hopefully in 2028.

Alexandra Eala said via PeopleAsia

The 2028 Olympics will be in Los Angeles, United States of America. For Eala to qualify, she has to be in the Top 50 of the WTA rankings. Nonetheless, if she does, she will be the first athlete from the Philippines to represent her country in tennis at the Games.

Alexandra Eala reveals aspects of her game that have improved after the Miami Open

Alexandra Eala is training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca ahead of the clay season. The teenager is a graduate of the academy and is seeking to build on the foundation she laid at the Miami Open. During the aforementioned interview, she shared insights on what she’s doing to improve several aspects of her game.

Alexandra Eala
Alexandra Eala (image via Instagram @miamiopen)

I’ve grown so much as a player. Technically and tactically, I’m smarter on the court. I’m physically much stronger than I was a year ago. So I think all of those things combined make such a difference in my game, especially when I’m playing well. I think strategizing is a big part, and to focus on what your strengths are as a tennis player, not to focus so much on the opponent. Of course, there are tips and tricks that you should know about the general style of how your opponent plays, but not to read into it so much. And then just think point by point and what you need to do.

Alexandra Eala said

Eala will open her clay season at the WTA 125K Oeiras Ladies Open in Portugal. After that, she’s expected to be in action at the Madrid Open. Hopefully, she can earn another fairytale run to prove that it’s not just luck.

Alexandra Eala is excited to be an inspiration to upcoming players

Since Alexandra Eala’s fairytale run in Miami, she has been catapulted to fame. The Philippines now has many younger players seeing her as an inspiration, while her achievement continues to soar in her country. She revealed that despite liking the idea of being an inspiration to players, she believes there are other top players to look up to.

Alexandra Eala (4)
Alexandra Eala (Image via X/Jimmie48 Photography)

I’ve always just been the type to keep my head down and to work. Anyone who wants to take inspiration from me is welcome, too. But that doesn’t mean that I’m the only one they can take inspiration from. For example, growing up, I took inspiration from the likes of Sharapova, Lina or Halep.

Alexandra Eala added

Eala is seeking to make her Grand Slam debut at the French Open. The Philippine will hope to to go far at the Madrid Open, before going through the qualifying rounds at the Italian Open, which will give her a strong experience before the Roland Garros.