Alex Eala has braved the inclement weather conditions in Miami as she bids to repeat her heroics at this event this time last year.
Entering the 2025 iteration of the tournament as a wild card, few really knew much about this unknown teenager from the Philippines.
Now, the entire tennis world can’t stop talking about her.
Due to kick off her Miami Open campaign later today against Laura Siegemund, her desperation to perform is evidenced by her dedication to training.
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Alexandra Eala opted to head out onto the practice courts in Miami despite the rain to work on a few specific areas of her game. We have since learned the focus of this session.
Alex Eala trains in the rain in Miami
Taking to X, it was journalist TJ Manotoc who provided his on-site analysis of Eala’s whereabouts as she prepares for her first match back in Miami.
Speaking as he caught a glimpse of her braving the conditions to practice, he claimed: “Alex is gonna give it a go.
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“Just doing some service warm-ups, not sure the coaches want her to try running around a surface that still has some wet spots.”
He also wrote, alongside the video: “It was still drizzling, but Alex and her coaches likely felt it was still important to get out there and get some movement before tomorrow’s 2nd round match vs Siegemund.”
It’s especially interesting that Eala was so keen to practice when superstars like Aryna Sabalenka opted against playing in these conditions.
Who is Alex Eala’s Miami Open opponent Laura Siegemund?
Eala may be seeded for this Miami Open event, but she faces a stern opening-round task against Siegemund.
After all, the German may sit 48th in the world rankings and be nearly double the Filipina superstar’s age, but she still commands respect.
Especially given her play style, which utilises awkward slices and lofted deep balls to frustrate and unsettle her opponents.
Often categorised as one of the masters of tennis’ dark arts, she has twice been a singles champion on the WTA Tour and boasts three Grand Slam doubles titles too.
Siegemund will send awkward and unpredictable shots at Eala all match, and it is up to the youngster to come up with a solution. Fortunately, she will likely once again be backed by a vocal crowd, which should help her cause.
Eala has admitted she’s been surprised by the level of support she’s received over the last year, and in Miami, it should be no different, given it’s effectively the site of her explosion onto the WTA Tour.
