Eala reaches Miami Open round of 32; Swiatek rematch off, Linette up next

Banking on grit and composure, Alex Eala battled past Germany’s Laura Siegemund, 6–7(6), 6–3, 6–3, to advance to the round of 32 of the Miami Open, March 20.

The Filipino ace needed three hours and 20 minutes to complete the comeback, overcoming a tough opening-set loss to secure her spot in the next round.

Eala appeared in control early but squandered a 3-0 lead and four set points in the first set, including one at 6-5 in the tiebreak, allowing Siegemund to steal the frame.

The Filipina regrouped in the second set, tightening her baseline game and limiting errors to even the match.

Momentum fully shifted in the decider as Eala dictated the pace, outlasting Siegemund in extended rallies to close out the win.

The result continues Eala’s strong connection with Miami, where she made a breakthrough semifinal run last year that propelled her into the Top 100.

A potential rematch with world No. 3 Iga Swiatek, however, will not happen after the Polish star suffered an early exit.

Swiatek fell to fellow Pole Magda Linette, 1–6, 7–5, 6–3, in a surprise result that reshaped the draw.

Eala will instead face Linette in the round of 32, marking their fourth meeting on the WTA Tour.

Linette holds a 2–1 edge in their head-to-head, setting up a familiar but challenging matchup for Eala as she eyes another deep run.



As of writing, the final game schedule between Eala and Linette is yet to be announced.