Miami Open Sees Stunning Upsets and Historic Triumphs

Eala's Epic Rise Continues

The Miami Open witnessed a seismic shift as Australian Open champion Madison Keys fell to 19-year-old Filipina sensation, Alexandra Eala. The young star, ranked 140th globally, delivered a masterclass performance, breaking Keys' serve six times to secure a resounding 6-4, 6-2 victory.

This win marked another milestone for Eala, following her historic victory over 2017 French Open champion Jeļena Ostapenko in the second round, becoming the first Filipina to defeat a top-30 opponent. Now, she holds two such victories, a testament to her rapidly ascending trajectory.

Eala's triumph over world No. 5 Keys etched her name in the history books as the first Filipino player to achieve a top-10 win since rankings were introduced in 1975, according to the WTA.

"I don’t think I’ve had the time to process everything that’s happened, so I’m taking it step by step and just focusing on what I need to do next," a grounded Eala told reporters.

"It’s a big thing to take in, and I’m so super proud of what I was able to accomplish, but it definitely fuels me more."

"I know and it’s in my mind that I have a next match, but I need to stop, and I need to recognize that what I did today was really amazing."

A Nadal Academy Graduate Shines

Trained at Rafael Nadal's prestigious academy since the age of 13, Eala is proving to be a remarkable product of the Spaniard's mentorship. Her next challenge is No. 10 seed Paula Badosa in the round of 16, following the Spaniard's victory over Denmark's Clara Tauson.

Eala's three victories at this year's Miami Open are a significant achievement, surpassing the combined wins of all other Filipino tennis players at the tournament in the Open Era, highlighting her groundbreaking impact on the sport.

Having already secured the US Open girls' singles title in 2022 and the girls' doubles titles at the 2021 French Open and 2020 Australian Open, Eala's potential seems limitless.

Andreeva's Streak Snapped

Elsewhere in the tournament, 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva's impressive 13-match winning streak came to an end in a thrilling three-set battle against American Amanda Anisimova, losing 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-3.

Andreeva, who had become the youngest woman since Martina Hingis in 1997 to win back-to-back WTA 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells, will now look to regroup and continue her promising career.

Anisimova, the WTA 1000 Qatar Open champion earlier this season, advances to face 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu in the round of 16, setting the stage for another captivating encounter.

Djokovic Makes History, Again

Novak Djokovic further cemented his legendary status by breaking Rafael Nadal's record for most match wins at Masters 1000 events. The 24-time Grand Slam singles champion secured his 411th victory at this level by defeating Argentina's Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-1, 7-6(1).

"I’m honored to have another milestone, another record broken," a proud Djokovic commented, per the ATP. "There’s always something on the line pretty much every time I play, and of course that motivates me to do well at tournaments."

Djokovic's dominance in Masters 1000 events is unparalleled. He boasts 40 titles, four more than Nadal in second place, and is the only player to have won all nine Masters 1000 tournaments, achieving the feat twice by 2020.

The Serbian star next faces Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the round of 16 as he aims to secure a record-extending seventh Miami Open title.