Alexandra Eala, a Philippine wild card, stunned fifth seed Madison Keys at the Miami Open, winning her 6-4, 6-2. The 19-year-old, who had already defeated 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, extended her winning streak by defeating the Australian Open champion.
Eala, who has been training at Rafael Nadal’s Mallorca academy since the age of 13, battled through a medical stoppage due to a leg injury but fought back from the baseline. Despite Keys’ recent good form, including a semi-final appearance at Indian Wells, the American was unable to handle Eala’s aggressive approach.
“I knew I could win, but my chances were slim because she’s such a good player,” Eala remarked after the match. “My belief and trust in myself helped me push through.” She will next face Spanish tenth seed Paula Badosa.
Meanwhile, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek defeated Elise Mertens 7-6(2), 6-1, in her 25th consecutive WTA 1000 last-16 performance. Novak Djokovic broke Rafael Nadal’s record after winning his 411th Masters 1000 match, defeating Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-1, 7-6(1). Djokovic now seeks a record-extending eighth Miami Open victory, with Lorenzo Musetti as his next opponent.
