The Philippines’ Alex Eala’s stint in the Miami Open unfolded as the tennis world’s Cinderella run of the year, but the story of the wild-card-turned-semifinalist did not involve fairy dust, wands, and a fairy godmother. 

It took the 19-year-old years of sweat and training with her coaches from Rafa Nadal Academy, which she joined at the early age of 12.

In a recent Instagram post, Eala talked about how last week’s Miami Open has left her “speechless and so full of emotion, mostly pride and gratitude,” after bowing out in a decider against world No. 4 Jessica Pegula of the United States, 6-7, 7-6, 3-6.

Pegula eventually lost to the top-seeded and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, 5-7, 2-6, in the finals last Saturday. 

“I’m proud of myself for pushing through those tough moments, as well as to have been able to make a statement for the Philippines in one of the biggest stages of tennis,” Eala said.

It was in the Miami Open where Eala made history as the first Filipino tennis player to defeat three Grand Slam champions—Jelena Ostapenko (world No. 25) of Latvia, Madison Keys (No. 5) of the United States, and Iga Swiatek (No. 2) of Poland—and break through the top 100 of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings.

She received praise for her feats from not only tennis fans around the globe but also fellow Filipino athletes such as Olympians Hidilyn Diaz and EJ Obiena, and eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.

“You may not have made the finals, but you won the hearts of the world, Alex Eala!” Pacquiao wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “The whole nation is proud. This is just the beginning. Keep fighting and inspiring. You’ve shown the heart of a true champion. Laban lang! The future is bright for you. Proud na proud kami sa’yo! #PinoyPride!” 

Former world No. 1 tennis player Chris Evert also took to X to commend Eala’s fighting spirit during the tournament, saying: “Incredible that Alex Eala still has anything left in her considering the teen has beaten 3 Grand Slam Champs.”

The Filipino tennis sensation continued to convey her heartfelt gratitude for all the support she has received over the past weeks: “Moreover, I’m thankful for all the positivity coming my way, and I pray that you all continue sending support through the highs and lows. Salamat sa lahat ng pagdadasal at magagandang mensahe.”

Her gratitude came with an acknowledgment of what lies ahead: “I recognize that these two weeks have opened the door to so many opportunities for me, but along with those opportunities come a whole new set of obstacles I will have to navigate through.” 

Having soared to the 75th spot from 140 in the WTA rankings, Eala is now guaranteed a spot in the main draw of this year’s remaining grand slams, with the French Open beginning in May, Wimbledon in June, and the US Open in August. 

“The real work starts now,” she said.

For now, the Filipino tennis star looks to enjoy her downtime and to ensure that she will be ready for the Madrid Open that starts on April 22.

“I think my wish is to play something before that (Madrid Open),” Rafa Nadal Academy coach Joan Bosch told ANC about his ward on Monday. “But we still need to sit and see, to check the body and everything. I want to see that ankle and talk to her how are the feelings, the motivation.” 

“She’s a young player considering the WTA. We’re working on goals that if we can achieve, then she will be competing there in the next five years,” Bosch said. 

He said some of these goals “are still not done.”