Alexandra Eala shared a touching message on social media after her fairytale run at the Miami Open officially came to an end. The teenage wildcard had only won two WTA Tour-level matches in her career before this fortnight but she enjoyed a statement breakthrough, beating three Grand Slam champions on her way to the semi-final.
The world No. 140 lost a tight three-set semi-final to Jessica Pegula on Thursday. After having some time to reflect on her breakout run, Eala thanked her supporters in a new statement.
She may not have won the title but Eala became one of the biggest stories of the tournament in Miami. The 19-year-old received a wildcard into the WTA 1000 and certainly made the most of it, storming into the last four in impressive fashion.
The Rafa Nadal Academy alum beat 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko in the second round before upsetting recent Australian Open champion Madison Keys.
Eala then got a walkover when Paula Badosa pulled out of her fourth-round match. In the quarter-final, the teenager pulled off arguably the biggest upset of the season so far, stunning world No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in straight sets.
The Filipino tennis star put up an admirable fight against Pegula in the semi-final but the American came out on top, winning 7-6(3) 5-7 6-3. Eala was still delighted with her efforts, sitting on her bench and celebrating the tennis she showed throughout the fortnight.
The 19-year-old earned plenty of fans during the tournament and has now taken to social media to express her gratitude for their support.
“Wow, this year’s @miamiopen has left me speechless and so full of emotion, mostly pride and gratitude. I’m proud of myself for pushing through those tough moments, as well as to have been able to make a statement for the Philippines in one of the biggest stages of tennis,” Eala wrote.
“Moreover, I’m thankful for all the positivity coming my way, and I pray that you all continue sending support through the highs and lows.
“I recognise that these two weeks have opened the door to so many opportunities for me, but along with those opportunities come a whole new set of obstacles I will have to navigate through. The real work starts now.”
The Filipino teenager is now set for some well-earned rest and she pulled out of next week’s WTA 125 event in La Bisbal.
Eala is set to rise to No. 75 in the world on Monday, and her new ranking will allow her direct entry into Grand Slam tournaments. She could also receive another wildcard into the Madrid Open, an event currently owned by IMG, the agency which represents her.
The teen star has already made a big impression on her opponents. After winning their semi-final match, Pegula was full of praise for Eala.
“She’s just a really good player. She reminds me of a Leylah Fernandez. Takes the ball super early, uses the angles really well, uses the line forehand really well, and competes and sees the court,” the world No. 4 said.
“She definitely takes the ball early, anticipates well, looks to move in. Yeah, all those things are going to take her far.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk