What Alex Eala was focusing on during her rainy Miami Open training session

Despite rainy conditions in Miami, Alex Eala is pushing forward as she aims to build on her breakout run at this event a year ago.

She came into the 2025 tournament as a wild card, largely unknown outside the Philippines, but has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in tennis.

There were no big expectations attached to her wild card entry. Still, it didn’t take long for Eala to turn heads with her fearless approach and impressive shot-making.

Alex Eala gets in extra work under grey Miami skies

TJ Manotoc, who’s been keeping tabs on her movements in the build-up, took to X to share what he’d seen. Catching sight of her on court despite the rain, he noted:

“Alex is gonna give it a go. Just doing some service warm-ups, not sure the coaches want her to try running around a surface that still has some wet spots.”

He followed up by adding: “It was still drizzling, but Alex and her coaches likely felt it was still important to get out there and get some movement before tomorrow’s 2nd round match vs Siegemund.”

Eala’s decision to train stood out even more given that others, like Aryna Sabalenka, decided against taking any chances in these conditions.

What to expect from Laura Siegemund in Alex Eala’s first match

Although Eala enters the Miami Open as a seeded player, her first-round assignment is far from easy.

Siegemund may be ranked 48th and nearly twice Eala’s age, but she brings a wealth of experience and an unconventional style that often gives opponents problems.

She relies on slices, lobs, and variety to disrupt rhythm rather than overpower her opponent. And it’s been an effective approach throughout her career.

Siegemund has two WTA singles titles along with three Grand Slam doubles crowns. That level of pedigree can never be overlooked, no matter where she sits in the rankings now.

Eala will need to stay composed if she wants to advance. While there’s every reason to believe she can handle it, dealing with Siegemund’s game is never straightforward.

The crowd could play a factor as well. Support for Eala has only grown over the past year, and Miami was where it all started for her last season.

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