Lefty Power: Alexandra Eala addresses comparisons to Leylah Fernandez – “She plays in her own way”

Alexandra Eala picks her dream Grand Slam and reacts to comparisons with Leylah Fernandez. The world No. 72 Alexandra Eala recently opened up about her goals and inspirations in tennis after her remarkable breakthrough run at the WTA 1000 Miami Open, where she stunned two top-5 players and reached the semifinals.

The 19-year-old Filipino player has been in the spotlight since her junior days, having won the 2022 US Open juniors and capturing two additional junior Grand Slam doubles titles. Although she’s only made a handful of WTA Tour appearances and has yet to debut in a Grand Slam main draw, that will change soon with her first appearance scheduled for this year’s Roland Garros.

Eala entered the Miami Open as a wildcard. With just one win in five previous WTA 1000 appearances, she caused a sensation this time. After defeating Katie Volynets in the opening round, she pulled off a stunning upset over 25th seed and former Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko.

Even more impressive was her next victory over World No. 5 and 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys. In the quarterfinals, she was due to face Paula Badosa, but the Spaniard withdrew due to injury.

That set up a clash with 5-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, whom Eala defeated in straight sets to reach the semifinals. Although she battled hard against Jessica Pegula, the American ultimately prevailed 7-6, 5-7, 6-3.

Thanks to her Miami run, Eala leapt nearly 70 spots in the rankings to World No. 72. In a recent interview with Talking Tennis, she was asked whether she would rather win a Grand Slam or reach World No. 1. “Grand Slam. Wimbledon,” she replied. “But if I could, I would choose both!”

Her left-handed play, footwork, and fighting spirit have drawn comparisons to 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez. “I’m not familiar with those comparisons, but I think Leylah is a great player. She made the final at the US Open a couple of years back, so she’s a girl who plays in her own way,” said Eala.

“I’m not too close with her. We’ve had a couple of interactions—she seems like a nice girl. So I’m not mad about that at all! She’s a good player.”