MIAMI, Florida — Alex Eala aims to continue her strong run at the Miami Open when she faces Magda Linette in the round of 32 early Sunday (Philippine time).
The 20-year-old Filipino tennis star advanced to the third round Friday after surviving German Laura Siegemund, 6(6)-7, 6-3, 6-3, marking her first win in this year’s WTA 1000 tournament. Eala made history last year as a qualifier when she reached the semifinals at the same event.
Linette, ranked World No. 50, reached this stage by stunning fellow Pole Iga Swiatek, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3. Eala holds a 1-2 head-to-head record against Linette, having lost to her at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Open and the Nottingham Open last year.
However, Eala claimed victory in their most recent meeting at the ASB Classic quarterfinals in January, winning 6-3, 6-2. Linette acknowledged Eala’s growth since their earlier matches, noting the Rafa Nadal Academy product has “improved so much.”
Eala is seeking to reach the last 16 of the Miami Open for the second consecutive year.