Philippine tennis star Eala dream run ends as Pegula sets up final with Sabalenka

Alexandra Eala during a match at the 2025 Miami Open. Photo by Reuters

In an enthralling and exhausting battle over 2hrs 24mins, the fourth-seeded Pegula emerged with a 7-6 (7/3) 5-7, 6-3 win to seal a place in Saturday's final against world number one Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.

The 19-year-old Eala, ranked 140th in the world, had only two WTA main draw victories to her name before arriving in Miami.

She proceeded to beat three Grand Slam winners in Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and world number two Iga Swiatek.

The lowest-ranked semi-finalist in the tournament's history, Eala seriously threatened to go one step further with another accomplished and effervescent display.

The tide looked to have turned against her when Pegula broke to go 3-1 up in the second set, but Eala broke back and her fist pump and look of determination was a sign of things to come.

Eala broke Pegula three times in the set and was broken twice herself, but crucially was able to hold when serving for the set at 6-5.

Both players protected their serve better in the deciding set, but Eala’s forehand let her down when the American broke to go 5-3 up and she served out for a victory that brought her visible relief.

Sabalenka blasted her way into the final with a convincing 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.

Sabalenka needed just 71 minutes to wrap up her win against the sixth seed and with the win the Belarusian, who was beaten in the Indian Wells final earlier this month by Mirra Andreeva, will appear in the Miami final for the first time in her career.

"I’m super happy with the level I played today. Of course, super happy to be in my first Miami Open final," said Sabalenka.

Sabalenka was never behind against Paolini and the match was only tied twice—at 1-1 in each set. She served six aces and broke the Italian’s serve four times.