Mar 14, 2025; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Madison Keys (USA) reacts after missing a shot against Aryna Sabalenka (not pictured) during her semifinal match in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Well Tennis Garden.

tennis

Madison Keys Knocked Out of Miami Open 2025 as Wildcard Alexandra Eala’s Dream Run Continues

Giant slayer from the Philippines sends the Australian Open champ packing.

Australian Open champion Madison Keys was the next victim of rising Filipino star Alexandra Eala, as the World No. 5 crashed out of the Miami Open on Sunday. It was another inspired performance from the 19-year-old, resulting in a dominant 6-4 6-2 victory in just under an hour and a half. Earlier this week, Eala defeated Jelena Ostapenko.

Currently ranked No. 140 in the world, Alexandra Eala was a wildcard entrant into the Miami draw. Her fearless display and relentless groundstrokes have been jaw-dropping. Going toe to toe with Keys, Eala was able to match the American from the back of the court. It was a masterclass in changing direction, finding acute angles and dismantling a great champion’s serve.

The southpaw came into the encounter high on confidence, and it showed. Alexandra is currently the only player from her country, man or woman, to be ranked within the Top-1000 on the professional circuit. Her Miami charge resumes on Monday in another monumental tussle, when she takes on Paula Badosa in the Round of 16.

Teen Sensation Alexandra Eala Topples Madison Keys and Records in Miami

Alexandra Eala made a strong start to the match, racing to a 3-1 lead. A pocket rocket whose shotmaking ability can rattle any top player, she managed six breaks of serve and managed to keep Keys’s first serve win percentage down to a mere 48%. Up 5-4 in the opening set, she outhit the Grand Slam champion to take the 10th game as well as the set.

A prodigious product of the Rafa Nadal Academy, Eala proved that she is tailor-made for the big stage. As a consequence of the historic win, she became the first Filipino player in the Open Era to beat a Grand Slam champion in the WTA. She is also the first player from her country, man or woman, to achieve this feat since Eric Taino defeated Michael Chang way back in 2003.

Eala Focused on Extending Her Swashbuckling Miami 2025 Run

After the scintillating success, Alexandra was seen jumping for joy and screaming ecstatically. It was another moment to cherish for the teenager in what has been an unforgettable week – one that has seen the legendary Rafael Nadal personally congratulating her. “I don’t think I’ve had the time to process everything that’s happened,” the gleeful southpaw told reporters.

Alexandra Eala on what it means to be the 1st Filipino to beat a top 10 player

“You have to ask the country 😂 Growing up it was tough.. you didn’t have anyone where you’re from to pave the way. I hope this takes Philippines tennis to another step” 🇵🇭🥹

pic.twitter.com/MpDzqhXI2k
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 23, 2025

Coming into the match, Keys had 98 wins at the WTA-1000 level – as compared to 3 for the Filipino. “I’m taking it step by step and just focusing on what I need to do next,” she continued. Eala’s next opponent is former World No. 2 Paula Badosa, who battled her way through some back issues to overcome Clara Tauson in Round-3.

“I know and it’s in my mind that I have a next match, but I need to stop and I need to recognise that what I did today was really amazing.” As someone still rising up the ranks, Eala’s maturity in finding the balance between acknowledging her success and looking at the bigger picture is commendable. She is a former US Open junior champion (won in 2022 without dropping a set). During this title run, she also beat current World No. 6 and Indian Wells winner Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinal stage.

Quezon City born Alexandra Eala is the lowest ranked player left in the Miami Open 2025 draw. How far will she go this year? Regardless, it is a tournament that she herself, and the whole of Philippines can take pride in.

Alexandra Eala

Australian Open

Madison Keys

Miami Open

WTA

Sankalp Harikrishnan

A passionate sports fan through and through, I am currently pursuing my MA in Global Sports Journalism. I specialise in tennis and football writing at The Playoffs News, and I have prior experience working at EssentiallySports and Sportskeeda. Born and raised in Bengaluru, India, sport was my safe space right from my childhood. After trying my hand at multiple sports and representing my educational institutions in cricket, badminton and table tennis, I found sports media to be my calling.