By Samantha Yu
MANILA – Filipino tennis sensation Alexandra Eala fought back from a first-set setback to defeat Germany’s Laura Siegemund, 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-3, and advance to the third round of the Miami Open on Friday.
Competing at Hard Rock Stadium, the 20-year-old Filipina displayed resilience after losing a tightly contested opening set, eventually taking control in the final two sets.
Ranked No. 29 globally and seeded 31st in the tournament, Eala now awaits the winner of the clash between Poland’s Iga Swiatek and Magda Linette.
Eala entered the second round with a bye, while Siegemund moved forward after defeating Croatia’s Petra Marchinko in straight sets.
In other matches, Colombia’s Camila Osorio beat Czech player Katerina Siniakova, while Russia’s Anna Blinkova overcame American Sofia Kenin. France’s Elsa Jacquemot also advanced after edging Darja Vidmanova in a marathon match.
Americans McCartney Kessler and Alycia Parks likewise secured victories in their respective first-round encounters.
Eala made waves in last year’s Miami Open after eliminating Swiatek in the quarterfinals before eventually falling to Jessica Pegula.
The Filipina also reached the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells earlier this month but lost to Linda Noskova. In February, she reached the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships before bowing to Coco Gauff.
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