Alex Eala got her Miami Open campaign off to a rousing start after beating Germany’s Laura Siegemund, 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-3, in a tightly contested Round of 64 clash that lasted over three hours.
The pride of the Philippines started sharply in the opening set, asserting control with aggressive baseline play and precise backhand winners. The 20-year-old quickly built a 3-0 advantage while keeping Siegemund on the defensive.
The 38-year-old German, however, gradually turned the tide. Mixing slices, drop shots, and well-timed net approaches, Siegemund disrupted Eala’s rhythm and clawed her way back into the contest.
Despite holding several opportunities to close the set—including four set points—Eala was unable to finish it off.
Siegemund capitalized on the opening, forcing a tiebreak and eventually edging the 20-year-old Pinay to claim the tightly contested first frame after nearly 90 minutes.
Alex Eala Claims Second Set to Level the Match
Rather than letting the setback derail her, the Rafa Nadal Academy alum responded with renewed focus in the second set.
The Filipina secured an early service break and maintained control with steady serving and aggressive returns. Siegemund attempted to stay within reach, but Eala dictated the pace with composed shot-making and confident service games.
Maintaining her advantage throughout the set, Eala closed it out to force a deciding third set, shifting the momentum firmly in her favor.
Alex Eala Shows Composure in the Third Set to Get the Win
Riding the momentum, Eala elevated her level in the final set. She quickly surged to a 2-0 lead and later widened the gap to 4-1 as her consistency and shot selection began to wear down the 38-year-old German.
Siegemund briefly threatened a comeback, but Eala remained composed during key moments, holding firm in long rallies and pressure points.
Serving for the match, the Filipina kept her nerve and sealed the victory at 5-3, completing an impressive comeback in what became the longest match of her WTA Tour career.
With the victory, Alex Eala advanced to the Round of 32, where she will be facing Poland’s Magda Linette. The Polish ace stunned world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in their own Round of 64 matchup.
