Alex Eala outlasts Laura Siegemund to reach Miami Open Round of 32

Alexandra “Alex” Eala outlasted Laura Siegemund, 6(6)-7, 6-3, 6-3, in the Miami Open Round of 64 early Friday (Philippine time) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

With the victory, Eala advanced to the Round of 32 of the tournament.

After dropping a grueling opening set that lasted nearly an hour and a half, the world No. 29 raced to a 3-1 lead in the second set. Siegemund fought back to close the gap, but Eala quickly regained control, winning the final two games to force a deciding set.

As the match stretched into a test of endurance, Eala surged to a 2-0 lead in the third set before Siegemund got on the board. The Filipina extended her advantage to 4-1, and later moved within a game of victory at 5-2. Although Siegemund managed to take one more game, Eala ultimately sealed the win after three hours and 20 minutes.

"It definitely was close. Very demanding physically and mentally but that was one of my goals last year after this tournament was to improve physically and here I am, fresh as a flower," Eala said after the grueling match.

READ MORE | RECAP: Alex Eala at the 2025 Miami Open

Eala will next face the winner of the match between Magda Linette and Iga Swiatek.

HIGHLIGHTS | Eala vs Siegemund

—JKC, GMA Integrated News