Alexandra Eala was forced to dig deep to win her first match in Miami, but enjoyed a far more straightforward victory last night to reach the third round.
In what many expected would be a rematch of last year’s enthralling clash with Iga Swiatek, the Polish superstar’s early exit meant that the 20-year-old was instead tasked with toppling Magda Linette.
Alexandra Eala did so with minimal fuss, despite the second set heading to a tiebreak.
Speaking after the match, she discussed her thoughts heading into that crucial part of the match, as well as how the medical time-out earlier in that set had affected her.
Alex Eala reacts after her latest win in Miami
In an interview recorded with ASB-CBN News, she began by reviewing her performance as a whole.
Eala simply stated: “Maybe the context helped because I know her better because I have played against her before, but each match is a different story, that’s why I’m happy with what I played today.
What is the best win of Alexandra Eala’s career so far? 🤔
Iga Swiatek in Miami, Clara Tauson at the US Open, Jasmine Paolini in Dubai, or a different match?
“I also struggled, especially in the second set, so I’m just happy that I won.”
Then asked specifically about Linette’s medical time-out, the Filipina admitted that it did disrupt the momentum, but not enough to completely turn the match.
Eala claimed: “I’m just ready for anything.
“Of course, a medical time-out also helps if something hurts in your body. To me, it seems like afterwards she had gotten better.
“So I’m just ready for anything. That’s what I keep repeating to myself.”
She concluded by explaining her mindset heading into that second-set tiebreak, which she would win comprehensively, 7-2: “Of course, I was nervous too, but I made the point to be brave, and this is what I did with my shots, because that’s the only thing I can control. I can’t control, I can’t do anything if her shots are good, but that’s all I can do is move well and stay calm.”
Eala recently explained why she’s not feeling any pressure in Miami this year, and this latest win only further proves that.
Alex Eala sets up Miami Open clash with Karolina Muchova
Having avoided a match against Swiatek, Eala was not to be so fortunate in the third round, as Karolina Muchova stood firm despite facing early pressure in Miami.
She was forced to come from a set down in her opening match, and more recently did well to thwart an in-form Katie Boulter to secure her spot alongside Eala in the third round.
It represents the sternest test of this tournament so far for the young superstar, but again, one that she should feel confident of overcoming.
Muchova is a sensational, diverse talent with huge power but exceptional touch.
Does anybody else even come close to Alex Eala’s popularity right now?
However, she is prone to shock defeats and has also suffered plenty of injury concerns over the years that should give Eala cause for optimism.
Her hard-working play style could unsettle Muchova if she does not get on top of the match early.
This will be the first time these two have played against one another.
