Alexandra Eala: "This is a good step towards where I want to be"

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Look no further, Alexandra Eala is the name making waves at the Miami Open 2025. At just 19 years old, the native of the Philippines aims to deliver the most dazzling performance of her young career, stringing together victories against Katie Volynets (6-3, 7-6), Jelena Ostapenko (7-6, 7-5), and Madison Keys (6-4, 6-2). She has reached the round of 16 without dropping a set, which may not be surprising here in Spain, as we have known her for quite some time due to her connection with the Rafa Nadal Academy, in addition to her junior results. Nevertheless, it's essential to review her latest press conference to place her story on the map and refine her opinions ahead of the upcoming match tonight against Paula Badosa.

Victory over Madison Keys

"I don't think I've had time to process everything that happened out there, so I'm taking it step by step, focusing only on what I need next, which is to recover well for the next match. It's a very important win before going to sleep, but I feel it's crucial to take it step by step. I'm super proud of what I've achieved, it fuels me, but I have in mind that there's another match ahead. First, I need to stop and acknowledge what I did today, which was something incredible. I think my on-court reaction more or less sums up how I'm feeling right now".

A triumph that crosses borders

"I'd like to think that I can be an example for all children, I want them to see my attitude and determination on the court from their homes, along with the results I'm achieving. The Academy has been my home for the past seven years, although all the credit goes to the education my family gave me before sending me there. In Manacor, I was able to build on that foundation; it's a combination of everything that has happened to me since I started playing tennis that has led me to these opportunities".

Without a sporting role model

"The truth is, I've never had someone to look up to, there hasn't been a Filipino tennis player who has achieved great things on the circuit in the Open Era or something like that, although I've had many role models in my daily life, personally. Inspiration doesn't always have to come from someone big who did something for the Philippines. For example, young children in the Philippines don't need to be inspired by me; they can be inspired by whoever they want, that's what I did as I grew up".

From the Philippines to Mallorca

"It was a shock at the time, I was very young, only 13 when the decision was made, but it was significant for us. One of the deciding factors was my parents, who sent my brother with me so I would have some family nearby. They visited us occasionally, but it was an opportunity I seized from the very beginning, once I knew I had to leave the country to improve. I remember starting to play tennis because of my brother and my grandfather; my parents just wanted me to do sports, but my grandfather was a club player. Then he coached my brother and a cousin, so I was next in line. That's how my career blossomed".

Dreaming big

"All players on the circuit have envisioned themselves being successful at this stage at some point, all of us on the WTA circuit share the same goal of doing well and winning Grand Slams. In the end, it's the ultimate goal, winning the Grand Slams and improving your ranking position. I think this is a good step towards where I want to be".

Paula Badosa, opponent in the fourth round

"It will definitely be a tough match, Paula has been at the forefront of the world stage for a long time, so she has a lot of experience, she's a very good player. Regarding her back problems, I don't think I should comment on that, so I'll focus on putting all my attention on my own things tomorrow and continue to keep up the rhythm from the previous matches".

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alexandra Eala: “Este es un buen paso hacia donde quiero estar”