Family Key To Eala's Rise To Stardom

Philippine teen savours 'amazing' feat after toppling second Slam champion in Miami

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Alexandra Eala wrote her name in tennis history on March 23 when the 19-year-old Filipina defeated Australian Open champion Madison Keys 6-4, 6-2 in the Miami Open third round.

She became the first woman from the Philippines to beat a top-10 opponent since the ranking system came into being 50 years ago.

The teenager has now toppled two Grand Slam champions, having beaten 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko in the second round.

It was a result that Eala celebrated with spontaneity and emotion, hugging her team while on the brink of tears. A little later, more composed but still struggling to comprehend her achievement, Eala tried to put it into context.

"It's a big thing to take in, and I feel it's important for me to take it in step by step. I'm so super proud of what I was able to accomplish, but it definitely fuels me more," she said.

"I know and it's in my mind that I have a next match, but I need to stop, and I need to recognise that what I did today was really amazing. I think my reaction on court, you know, sums up pretty much how I feel about it."

Up next for the 140th-ranked Eala, who has not dropped a set in Miami, will be Spanish 10th seed Paula Badosa.