Australian Open champion Madison Keys suffered an unexpected defeat at the Miami Open on Sunday, losing to 19-year-old Filipino wildcard Alexandra eala. Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva’s impressive 13-match winning streak, which included victories at Dubai and Indian Wells WTA 1000 events, came to an end after a three-set loss to American Amanda Anisimova.
Eala secured a historic 6-4, 6-2 victory over fifth-seeded Keys, becoming the first Filipino woman to defeat a top-10 player since the ranking system’s inception in 1975.
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Eala, who trained at the Rafael Nadal academy in Mallorca since age 13 and won the 2022 US Open girls’ singles title, will face Spain’s Paula Badosa in the next round.
“Growing up it was tough. You didn’t have anyone from where you’re from to pave the way. Of course you had many people to look up to around the world, but I think — I hope this takes Filipino tennis to the next step.”
Keys acknowledged her performance was below par, following her recent defeat to Aryna Sabalenka at Indian Wells.
“My serve was not really there today and I just kind of felt a little flat — and when you are playing someone who makes a ton of balls back and absorbs really well, that’s not really the keys to success.”
Eleventh-seeded Andreeva faced physical challenges during her match against Miami resident Anisimova, requiring medical attention for an abdominal issue early in the first set.
The match lasted 2 hours and 49 minutes, with Anisimova winning 7-6 (7/5), 2-6, 6-3. She will now face Emma Raducanuwho advanced after McCartney Kessler’s injury-related retirement.
Iga Swiatek continued her impressive run at WTA 1000 events, defeating Elise Mertens 7-6 (7/2), 6-1 to reach the last 16 for a record 25th consecutive tournament.
The second-seeded Pole maintained her streak of reaching the last 16 at this level, which dates back to Cincinnati 2021.
In the men’s competition, Novak Djokovic set a new record for ATP Masters 1000 match wins, defeating Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-1, 7-6 (7/1). This marked his 411th victory at this level, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s previous record.
Brandon Nakashima eliminated David Goffin, who had previously upset world number three Carlos Alcaraz, with a 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 victory.
Sebastian Korda defeated Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, recent Dubai champion, in straight sets 7-6 (7/4), 6-3.
“It’s awesome. I was born in Florida. My whole family is here. It’s just a lot of fun to play here and get my first Top 10 win of the year. I tried to serve well, tried to come to the net when I could, and I’m just happy with my performance today.”
Grigor Dimitrov achieved a milestone by securing his 100th Masters 1000 hard-court win, defeating Karen Khachanov 6-7 (3/7), 6-4, 7-5 in a lengthy baseline battle.
“It’s great. Last year I think I hit 100 wins indoors, now this. It’s beautiful I think every time you hit such a milestone. We know each other very well, we practice with each other a lot, so there weren’t really secrets. At the end of the day, it came down to a few points.”
Veteran French player Gael Monfils, aged 38, pleased his fans with a victory over Spain’s Jaume Munar, winning 7-5, 5-7, 7-6 (7/1).
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