Alex Eala reflects on changes since her breakthrough Miami Open campaign last year

Alexandra “Alex” Eala marked her return to the Miami Open on a high note, defeating Laura Siegemund, 6–7(6), 6–3, 6–3, in the Round of 64 last Friday.

It was a sense of deja vu for Eala, who is back at the tournament that helped launch her onto the global stage.

@wta Making more memories in Miami @Alex Eala ???? #WTA #MiamiOpen #AlexandraEala #dejavu #Miami ? sonido original - everytimxx

Now with a full year on the WTA Tour under her belt, Eala reflected on the biggest changes in her career since her breakthrough run during last season’s Sunshine Swing.

“I think in terms of my life, this is kind of my first year being fully on tour,” Eala said during her press conference on Friday. “Since Miami last year, I haven't played a tournament that wasn't WTA. So professionally, the level that I'm surrounded by has really kicked up a notch, and I think that's pushed me in many different ways.”

Off the court, the 20-year-old Filipina has also begun to feel the effects of being recognized more.

“And of course, off the court, I'm recognized a little bit more, which is obviously a very good thing,” she added with a smile. “That means business is good. That means things are going well on court and that people like me. So that’s always nice.”

Despite the changes, Eala credited her team for helping her stay grounded and adjust seamlessly to life on tour.

“I think that's also the great thing about my team is they don’t make it feel like such monumental changes for me,” she said. “We take it day by day, and they really keep my feet on the ground.”

Eala will next face Magda Linette in the Round of 32 on Sunday (Philippine time).

—JKC, GMA Integrated News