Jessica Pegula Edges Out Rising Star Alexandra Eala to Reach Final

Julie Anne L.
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Jessica Pegula ended Alexandra Eala’s historic run at the 2025 Miami Open, defeating the 19-year-old in a dramatic 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-3 semifinal match. The American No. 4 seed will now face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the championship match.

Jessica Pegula
Photo via Al Bello/Getty Images

In a match that stretched past midnight at Hard Rock Stadium, Pegula used her experience to fend off a spirited challenge from the teen wildcard who had captivated fans with her fearless play and string of top-tier upsets.

Eala’s Record-Breaking Run

Alexandra Eala, a lefty from the Philippines, made history as the first Filipino to beat a WTA Top 10 player. At the Miami Open, she took down Madison Keys and Iga Świątek in straight sets.

All three of her career Top 30 wins came during this single run, making her the most accomplished Filipino player in WTA history.

How the Match Unfolded

  • First Set: Eala led 5-2 and held set point, but consecutive double faults opened the door for Pegula. The American turned the momentum and won the set in a tiebreak.
  • Second Set: After a medical timeout for an ankle injury, Eala battled back from a break down to force a third set with aggressive shot-making.
  • Final Set: Pegula absorbed early pressure and secured the decisive break in the eighth game. She sealed the win on her second match point.

Despite the loss, Eala showcased remarkable poise and grit in only her second appearance at a WTA 1000 semifinal.

From Nadal Academy to Miami Semifinal

Photo via Al Bello/Getty Images

Eala trained at the Rafael Nadal Academy and won the 2022 US Open girls’ singles title. She entered Miami ranked No. 140, but her performance is expected to propel her into the WTA Top 75 next week.

At just 19, Eala has emerged as a powerful new face for global tennis, especially from underrepresented regions like Southeast Asia. Her composure under pressure, tactical clarity, and left-handed serve have drawn praise from legends like Lindsay Davenport and support from Toni Nadal, who was courtside during her win over Świątek.

What’s Next for Pegula and Eala

Jessica Pegula now prepares to face Aryna Sabalenka in the final. Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 6–2, although Pegula claimed their last meeting at the 2023 WTA Finals.

Meanwhile, Alexandra Eala’s journey in Miami signals a turning point in her career. From junior prodigy to WTA semifinalist, her breakout performance has set the stage for a promising rise on the professional circuit.

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