LAST time Alex Eala stepped onto the courts of the Miami Open, she was a wildcard ranked No. 140, hoping to make the most of an opportunity.
One year later, she returns as world No. 32 — seeded, established, and entering the tournament on the heels of a strong showing at Indian Wells with a fourth round finish.
READ: Alex Eala unbowed after loss to Noskova: 'I know I belong here'
This time last year, Eala made the most of her shot, reaching the semifinals and cracking the Top 100 for the first time all the way to No. 75.
Now turning her attention to the second leg of the U.S. hardcourt 'Sunshine Swing' and the fourth WTA 1000 event of the calendar, here’s what awaits the Filipina in Miami.
She is also about to lose the 52-week points she earned from the tournament once it begins, which could affect her ranking.
Eala will need another deep run to maintain her position on the tour.
When?
The main draw officially begins on March 17, with first-round matches running until March 18.
Second-round matches are scheduled on March 19–20, where Eala, as one of the seeded players, is expected to open her campaign.
The third round will be played on March 21–22, followed by the fourth round on March 23.
Quarterfinals are set for March 24–25, semifinals on March 26, and the final on March 28.
How?
The singles tournament features a 96-player draw composed of 75 direct entrants, 12 qualifiers, eight wildcards, and one special exempt player.
Last year, Eala entered as one of those wildcard recipients.
This time, she is among the 32 seeded players, earning a first-round bye straight into the second round.
Who?
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka returns as defending champion.
Also expected to compete are last year’s finalist Jessica Pegula—who eliminated Eala in their previous meeting—as well as top stars Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, and 2025 semifinalist Jasmine Paolini.
What?
Like Indian Wells, 1,000 ranking points are at stake for the singles champion.
The tournament carries a total prize pool of $9,415,725.
Singles (ranking points | prize money)
-
First round: 10 | $24,335
-
Second round: 35 | $36,110
-
Third round: 65 | $61,865
-
Fourth round: 120 | $105,720
-
Quarterfinal: 215 | $193,645
-
Semifinal: 390 | $340,190
-
Finalist: 650 | $612,340
-
Champion: 1000 | $1,151,380
Miami Open is also Eala eighth tournament of the calendar year, with stints in Dubai, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Philippine Women's Open, Australian Open, and ASB Classic.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
