By Tracy Cabrera
Eala marches into Miami Open third round, braces for Linette rematch
MANILA — Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra Eala powered into the third round of the Miami Open after overcoming Germany’s Laura Siegemund in a hard-fought three-set battle, 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-3, following a first-round bye.
Awaiting Eala is a familiar rival in Poland’s Magda Linette, who stunned the tennis world with a dramatic comeback win over compatriot and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, on Friday (Philippine time).
The upcoming duel will be the fourth meeting between Eala and Linette. The seasoned Polish campaigner, a semifinalist at the 2023 Australian Open, currently leads their head-to-head record, having won two of their previous three encounters.
Linette triumphed in their first clash in Abu Dhabi in 2024 and followed it up with another straight-sets victory at the Nottingham Open. Eala, however, got her revenge earlier this year, claiming a convincing 6-3, 6-2 win in the quarterfinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland.
While Eala advanced with a bye in the opening round, Linette had a tougher route, rallying past Varvara Gracheva before pulling off her upset victory over Świątek.
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