Marilyn Cahatol

Alex Eala back in training ahead of Linette rematch at Miami Open

Article (news)

TJ Manotoc

ABS-CBN News

<p>MIAMI, Florida — Just a day after her grueling battle against Germany’s Laura Siegemund, Filipino tennis star Alex Eala wasted no time getting back to work at the Miami Open practice courts.</p><p>Eala trained under clear skies, taking advantage of good weather conditions as she fine-tuned her game alongside Czech player Nikola Bartunkova. Her coaching staff closely monitored every aspect of her performance—from baseline shots and service returns to refining her serve strategy.</p><p>After about an hour of practice, Eala once again made time for fans, signing autographs and taking selfies with Filipino supporters who had gathered just to catch a glimpse of her.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/3/20/eala-rallies-past-siegemund-in-gritty-three-set-battle-to-advance-at-miami-open-0425">Eala rallies past Siegemund in gritty three-set battle to advance at Miami Open</a></div><p>One fan, Gerold, even brought a small stuffed toy for Eala to sign and serenaded her during their interaction.</p><p>“I asked her to sign my penguin and I gave her my IG… and I sang… — I just love her and I’m big fan of her and her work ethic,” he said.</p><p>Another fan shared that they had traveled far to support the rising tennis star.</p><p>“I come from New York — I saw her in US Open, yes we will be here tomorrow! Alex all the way!”</p><p>Meanwhile, Eala’s upcoming opponent, Poland’s Magda Linette, faced less favorable conditions as rain interrupted her own practice session.</p><p>The highly anticipated third-round clash between Eala and Linette will mark their fourth meeting. Linette won their first two encounters—at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Open (7-6, 6-1) and the 2025 Nottingham Open (6-4, 6-3).</p><p>However, Eala turned the tide in their most recent matchup, securing a dominant 6-3, 6-2 victory at the 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.</p><p>That win is just one of several highlights in what has been a strong year for Eala, reflecting her steady improvement on the tour.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/3/20/alex-eala-embraces-patience-grind-and-growth-in-emotional-miami-win-1150">Alex Eala embraces patience, grind and growth in emotional Miami win</a></div><p>“I think it’s really gone step-by-step and it’s been a progression which I think is very healthy and it really I’m happy looking back at it to see the work I put in you know, behind the scenes and seeing it come to life on court and even, you know, even when when I lose it’s always it’s it’s always part of the process,” Eala said during her post-match press conference.</p><p>&quot;I’m happy knowing that, you know, after those those certain like difficult moments, I was able to bounce back.&quot;</p><p>Tennis analysts say Eala’s rise is not just about her skill, but also her character and values.</p><p>“For me, it’s not about where you’re from. I mean, it’s about the kind of character you have and how people can relate to you, and I think everyone can relate to Alex, and I think that’s what makes her such a special athlete, such a special star. And also she, again, she carries herself very well. That’s very important, and it’s not easy to do when you have so many eyeballs on you,&quot; said Tennis Channel analyst Prakash Amritraj.</p><p>&quot;I remember right here we sat at our Tennis Channel desk, and I interviewed her last year in the middle of this run, and she talked about how important her family and her faith is to her, and she got me hooked instantly just like that because those are the same values and ethics that I admire and aspire to. So if she continues to do that, she’s only gonna go in the right direction,” he added.</p><p>Eala and Linette are set to face off on Saturday afternoon at the Grandstand court in Florida for their Miami Open third-round match, that’s early Sunday morning in the Philippines. Fans around the world are expected to tune in as Eala looks to continue her impressive run.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/3/20/second-seeded-swiatek-crashes-out-of-miami-open-0855">Swiatek stunned at Miami Open by 50th-ranked Linette</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6xPoLfvJoIc?si=a4BErAopDHA49WVN" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Eala and Linette are set to face off on Saturday afternoon at the Grandstand court in Florida for their Miami Open third-round match, that’s early Sunday morning in the Philippines. Fans around the world are expected to tune in as Eala looks to continue her impressive run.</p>

Eala and Linette are set to face off on Saturday afternoon at the Grandstand court in Florida for their Miami Open third-round match, that’s early Sunday morning in the Philippines. Fans around the world are expected to tune in as Eala looks to continue her impressive run.