Nonetheless, this result catapulted the then 19-year-old into the top 100 for the first time and turned her into quite the celebrity on tour. This was evident at Australian Open 2026, when crowds arrived hours early to secure a spot at Court 6 for her first-round clash against Alycia Parks.
On this week’s episode of The Sit-Down podcast, Eala explained how her history-making conquest in Miami unlocked a new chapter in her career.
“I think everything at that point after Miami was a new experience with that ranking being in the top 100 for the very first time, but my eyes were just wide open. I was just so eager to compete and to be at this level,” she shared.
“In the end, being on the WTA Tour is my dream. It’s to be a professional tennis player and I’m living out my dream.
“I think that [Miami run] has to be the highlight of my career so far. That’s what put me on the map. Everything clicked after that. I look back at that moment, and I just think, wow, it was insane.
“It’s crazy to believe that actually happened.”
PODCAST: Listen to Alexandra Eala on The Sit-Down
Eala’s latest feat in Dubai represents another fruitful result to her 2026 season. The Filipina kickstarted the year in Auckland – where she made the semifinals in both singles and doubles – then later advanced to the quarterfinals at the inaugural WTA 125 event on home soil in Manila.
Having earned an ITF junior ranking as high as world No.2 and winning the 2022 US Open girls’ singles title, Eala’s ascent is another example of how junior success can bode well for the pro tour.