Alex Eala was dealt a really awkward opening-round draw at the Miami Open this year, but passed this stern test with flying colours.
After all, there are few, if any, players on the WTA Tour who relish the opportunity to play Laura Siegemund.
Her unorthodox and awkward play style is made more challenging by her tendency to elongate matches, taking all the time she needs, much to the frustration of the crowd, her opponent and even the umpire at times.
But Alexandra Eala stayed calm for the most part, despite sharing her emotions before, during and after the win.
Alex Eala reveals how she managed to beat Laura Siegemund
Speaking to Tennis Channel, Eala naturally was all smiles as she spoke about her latest, gruelling win over Siegemund.
“I had to be patient!” She claimed, having battled a player renowned for her gamesmanship and ability to extend matches, perhaps beyond the rules. “I think patience was key and waiting for the right moment. It took a lot of patience.”
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Asked how she stays so focused in moments of such intense pressure, Eala admitted: “I think just focusing on the next point. It could go either way so the tension never really releases and one point could change everything so I think kept me going.”
Then speaking about her passion and ability to whip up a crowd, she laughed as she continued: “After every win, no, but this is a different ball game! This is not juniors and I often tell my team that every match for me is like life or death now. Luckily I am fortunate enough to have reached that level where everyone is a fighter. The level is so close. I mean, this year I have done AO, Manilla, 1000, 500, 1000, 1000, 1000. It’s really a high level of competition.
“I do get emotional, especially in matches like this! I put everything I have into it.”
Eala concluded by discussing nerves, particularly ahead of this return to Miami: “I definitely had some nerves going on but even when I lost the first set I was happy I was playing well and able to compete and I was still in there.
“At the end of the day the work was done before this tournament so not everything is on the line here.
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“But I am still super motivated and really want to win!”
Her happiness perhaps hides the hint of frustration she felt during the match though, with Eala complaining to the umpire about Siegemund’s conduct mid-way through the second set.
The Miami Open draw opens up for Alex Eala as Iga Swiatek loses
Much of the excitement surrounding Eala’s win was the potential match-up she had seemingly confirmed.
After all, as soon as the draw was made for the Miami Open, her third-round collision course with Iga Swiatek was instantly highlighted.
Sadly for her, and tennis fans across the globe, the Polish superstar was unable to win her first match, meaning Eala now has a new opponent: Magda Linette.
However, disappointment for the wider tennis world should make for a more favourable run for the 20-year-old, who could now earn her spot in the fourth round with minimal exertion.
There, she should face one of Karolina Muchova or Clara Tauson, the latter of whom she beat at the US Open last year.
It’s of paramount importance that Eala takes advantage of this opportunity to limit the damage to her ranking after this event.
