Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has earned the biggest victory of her career after upsetting former Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko in the second round of the Miami Open, 7-6, 7-5, early Saturday, March 22 (Philippine time).

It was a hard-fought win for the 19-year-old, with World No. 25 Ostapenko being the highest-ranked player Eala has faced since turning pro.

Eala will now move on to play reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys of the United States in the third round.

After winning match point, Eala clutched her chest, with her hand still holding her racket, as she cried while the crowd cheered her on.

Moments after her stunning upset over Ostapenko, Eala reflected on the biggest win of her career.

“I’m super overwhelmed right now, still trying to process everything. This win means so much to me. I’ve been working so hard, and now it just leaves me wanting more,” she said.

Eala credited self-belief and mental resilience as the keys to overcoming Ostapenko, a former French Open champion known for her explosive game.

“I had to believe I could do it and just stay there. She’s the type of player who can take huge leads, so believing in myself was so important.”

The match was an intense baseline duel, with Eala showing remarkable composure against her experienced opponent. (ABS-CBN News)