Metro Manila, Philippines – Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala scored a major upset and her biggest career win yet as she escaped former Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostanpeko of Latvia, 7-6 (2), 7-5, during their second round match at the Miami Open early Saturday morning (PH time).
The 19-year-old star clutched her chest and shed celebratory tears after delivering a fiery backhand to seal her win against her 25th seed opponent.
Eala’s victory against Ostapenko, who was 2017 French Open champion and previously placed fifth in the world, pushes her to the Round of 32.
The world no. 140 netter entered as a wild card player and stunned world no.73 Katie Volynets of US, 6-3, 7-6(3), during her main draw debut on Thursday.
After back-to-back wins, Eala will attempt to keep her momentum against American star and world no. 5 Madison Keys on Sunday, March 22.
