Eala: "Winning Grand Slams and reaching number one have always been my ultimate goals"

Streaming ATP Madrid MD live tennis

🎾 Griekspoor/Nakashima vs Johnson/Zielinski

1. Sign up with Bet365 here
2. Make your first deposit of at least €5
3. Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

 PUBLICIDAD

Register at bet365, deposit €5 or more into your account and you will receive 100% of your eligible deposit in Bet Credits (up to €100). New customers only. Terms apply. Winnings do not include the value of Bet Credits. Maximum prizes, game restrictions, time limits and terms apply. Registration required.

Alexandra Eala is the name of the moment at the Miami Open 2025 and in the tennis world. The 21-year-old Filipina tennis player is the big surprise of the American tournament. She entered the main draw with a wildcard and eliminated three Grand Slam champions along the way, including Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and finally, Iga Swiatek. In fact, the Polish player couldn't do anything against the aggressive and forceful tennis of the world No. 140, who will rise more than 60 places after her great week. It is still early to confirm if we are facing a new generational talent, but she should definitely be taken into account. For now, she awaits an opponent in the semifinals: Raducanu or Pegula, one of whom could be her next victim.

Feelings after the victory

"There are many emotions, no doubt. Happiness is the most present on the list. And I haven't had time to stop and think about it yet, but I am very, very happy about the victory."

About her tearful celebration

"I didn't know what to do. I think I was so immersed in the moment, and I set out to be in every point, that it's hard to realize what just happened. It's hard to realize that you won the match. I tried to take it all in because this had never happened to me before, that's why I was looking at the screen. I wanted to keep that moment in my mind."

Her work mindset

"I believe I don't have much experience on the WTA Tour, that's for sure, but I have experience in compartmentalizing. I have experience in being professional. I don't hesitate to bring out that part of me when I'm on the court and when I'm in an environment that requires professionalism... "

Confident she could beat Swiatek

"From the start, I knew I had the level to beat her. She's very accomplished. I mean, she has achieved a lot. She has accomplished a lot and is someone I have admired for a long time. So it was a pleasure to share the court with her, to compete with her, and to keep up with her pace. It's something I'm very proud of."

Surrounded by her family

"My family, a lot of my family, flew here. Last night, my parents came, and also my uncle and cousin from Seattle. So I had a lot of extra motivation for my match today. I really wanted them to see me win, but I know they would be happy to see me compete on this stage."

About the picture with Swiatek at her graduation ceremony at Nadal's academy

"She was a guest speaker and a guest celebrity. I think every year the academy tries to invite a public figure, I guess to inspire the kids. I think I was very lucky to have her at my graduation. I think she had just won a Slam, Roland Garros if I remember correctly. But I remember approaching her, and she said, 'Oh, I know you. I've seen you.' And I said, 'Yes.' Then she went through the whole ceremony with the class, threw the hat, and I was very lucky because I was next to her. Yes, it's super surreal to think that circumstances have changed, that I'm facing her on the court. I'm lucky to have that opportunity."

About her personality

"It's something I have gained, I suppose, from my experience and the things I have gone through to get to this point. It's also something my family has guided me through, and it's part of my family's values. They are successful people in business, successful in their own fields, and people I truly admire. I think they lead by example when it comes to that."

Tennis role model in the Philippines

"I would love to think that I am making a difference. The only thing I can do to give back to my country is to help inspire, inspire change and positive change, inspire people to pick up a racket, to watch more tennis, to watch more women's tennis. I believe that tennis in the Philippines has a lot of potential because, although it's not as widespread as other sports, I think we have a lot of hidden talent, and if we can have the support and exposure to back it up, then I think Filipino tennis can be something big."

Favorite player

"When I was little, my absolute favorite was Maria Sharapova. I loved her tenacity and, obviously, her style and her way of behaving, very young, and she was someone I really admired. Then later, people like Halep, Li Na, Barty. There are so many people I have drawn inspiration from..."

Great career goals

"My dreams remain the same. I have always been a big dreamer. As I said before, winning Grand Slams and becoming number one have always been my ultimate goals. I think this result has come at the right time. Being a successful junior doesn't mean you will be a successful professional, so I set out to work hard every day and trust that my moment would come, and I hope this is the moment," confesses an Eala who wants to keep dreaming big in a Miami Open she will never forget.
 

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Eala: “Ganar Grand Slams y llegar a ser número uno siempre han sido mis objetivos finales”