Pegula praises Eala after hard-fought Miami Open win
Jessica Pegula had nothing but praises for Alex Eala after winning the semifinal duel at the 2025 Miami Open.
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Pegula praises Eala after winning the Miami Open
Pegula, World No.4, survived the Filipina wild card in a thrilling two-hour and 25-minute classic, 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3, at the Hard Rock Stadium.
The American found some separation late in the third set after she took a 5-3 lead and never looked back.
Pegula acknowledged that the 19-year-old, who defeated three Grand Slam champions before their match, has what it takes to be an elite player.
“She’s really good, really good tennis player,” said Pegula shortly after the game.
“Goes for her shots, and takes the ball early. Being a lefty is always tricky. [She] competes really well,”
“She’s beaten a lot of top players this week.”
“I don’t really think she needs me to tell her that she’s a great player, that we’re not going to see enough of her, but we definitely are. And she proved that tonight. That was really tough.”
Pegula vs Sabalenka in Miami Open final
Eala, ranked 140th in the WTA rankings before this week, became only the second wild card in history to defeat three consecutive Grand Slam champions in a single WTA event.
However, Pegula ended Eala’s Cinderella run in Miami, winning the final three games after a 3-all tie in the deciding third set.
As a result, the 31-year-old will face World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
“Aryna, another hardcourt final for us. Hopefully, I can get the better of her this time,” she said.
“I consider myself one of the best hardcourt players in the world, and I think she’s probably the best right now. So it’s always a tough challenge, and I’m just going to have to try my best to take her out on Saturday. “
