Fairytale run assures Eala of Top 100
MANILA, Philippines — Win or lose, Alex Eala is a cinch for her highest ranking ever in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).
Currently at No. 140, the Filipina tennis sensation is projected to enter the Top 100 for the first time in her rising career pending the results of her gigantic quarterfinals duel against her idol Iga Swiatek of Poland in the Miami Open at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
Eala has gained 524 points in 31 tournaments this season so far and is assured of at least 215 points with a quarterfinal appearance on the crest of a scintillating Cinderella run as an unheralded wildcard entry in the 128-player field.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic cruised into the quarterfinals with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Italian Lorenzo Musetti in one hour 22 minutes.
Djokovic has won the Miami Open on six occasions but has not featured in the quarters since his last victory here in 2016.
Djokovic will face American Sebastian Korda on Wednesday for a place in the semifinals after the 24th seed beat French veteran Gael Monfils 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in a rain-affected match.
Argentine Francisco Cerundolo upset fifth-seed Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-2 to take his place in the last eight.
- Latest
- Trending
