MIAMI — The Miami Open was graced by tennis legends as Serena Williams and Juan Martin del Potro visited. Novak Djokovic was excited to take photos with them.
Adding to the excitement, Uncle Toni Nadal was seen supporting Alexandra Eala. The renowned coach of Rafael Nadal was there to cheer on another left-handed player from the Rafa Nadal Academy.
The 19-year-old Eala from the Philippines continued her remarkable run, defeating World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in straight sets 6-2, 7-5. She advances to the semifinals to face No. 4 Jessica Pegula for the first time.
Eala`s semifinal appearance matches the best result for a wild card entry at the Miami Open, joining Justine Henin (2010) and Victoria Azarenka (2018).
The other semifinal will feature World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka against Jasmine Paolini. Both players secured straight-set victories in their quarterfinal matches against Zheng Qinwen and Magda Linette, respectively.
Let`s examine how these semifinal matches might unfold:
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Jasmine Paolini
Case for Sabalenka: In her quarterfinal against Zheng, Sabalenka faced a critical moment serving at 3-4 in the second set, down 0-40. Despite struggling with her serve, she fought back to win five consecutive points, holding serve and ultimately winning the set and match.
Sabalenka expressed pride in her mental toughness and ability to compete despite her serve not being at its best. She has a dominant 6-0 record against Zheng. Sabalenka has also been highly consistent, reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and Miami Open in the same year as World No. 1, a feat achieved only by Steffi Graf, Martina Hingis, and Serena Williams.
Sabalenka has a strong record against Top 10 players, winning 10 of her last 12 matches. Based in Miami, she appears refreshed and determined to overcome her loss in the Indian Wells final.
Case for Paolini: Paolini is displaying the impressive tennis that gained her recognition last year. Her defensive skills are exceptional, and at 29, she remains incredibly quick on the court. This agility was key to her victory over Naomi Osaka in the previous round.
Osaka noted Paolini`s speed and ability to return balls effectively, despite her smaller stature. Paolini continued this form in her quarterfinal win against Magda Linette.
Paolini admitted to a less successful season before Miami but felt her confidence growing during this tournament. Reaching her first semifinal of 2025, she is aiming to recapture the form that led her to the Wimbledon final last year.
Interestingly, Sabalenka and Paolini`s first match was at an ITF event in Ilkley eight years ago. Paolini won that match in a close three-set battle, marking a significant early victory in her career.
Jessica Pegula vs. Alexandra Eala
Case for Pegula: Eala’s inexperience against top-tier players has not been a disadvantage so far. However, Pegula offers a different kind of challenge. Known for her consistency, Pegula avoids unforced errors and typically defeats players she is favored against.
Pegula demonstrated her steady play against Emma Raducanu, winning crucial long rallies and ultimately the match. Her consistent style and mental fortitude make her a strong contender against the rising star Eala.
Pegula is the second American since 2009 to reach four consecutive Miami Open quarterfinals, following Serena Williams. She is highly reliable on hard courts and determined to reach her first Miami final after reaching her third semifinal.
Case for Eala: Eala`s aggressive return positioning against Swiatek was a key tactic. She broke Swiatek`s serve repeatedly by stepping inside the baseline, especially on second serves. Eala`s flat forehand effectively took time away from Swiatek, disrupting her rhythm.
Despite her emotional wins earlier in the tournament, Eala remained composed after defeating Swiatek, seemingly in disbelief at her achievement.
Eala acknowledges her long-term goals of winning Grand Slams and reaching No. 1. She views this Miami Open run as a sign that her hard work is paying off and that her time to shine on the professional tour may have arrived.
