Pegula halts Eala's dream run, sets up Miami Final clash with Sabalenka

Philippines sensation Alexandra Eala's impressive journey at the Miami Open concluded valiantly with a three-set defeat to Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals on Thursday.

In a captivating match lasting two hours and 24 minutes, the fourth-seeded American Pegula secured a 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3 victory, earning her spot in Saturday's final against world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

Sabalenka advanced to the final with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory over Italy's Jasmine Paolini.

The 19-year-old Eala, currently ranked 140th globally, had only achieved two WTA main draw wins prior to her arrival in Miami.

She impressively defeated three Grand Slam champions: Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and world number two Iga Swiatek.

As the lowest-ranked semi-finalist in the tournament's history, Eala posed a significant challenge to advance further with her skillful and spirited performance.

The momentum appeared to shift against her when Pegula broke serve to lead 3-1 in the second set, but Eala responded by breaking back, her determined fist pump signaling her resolve.

Eala managed to break Pegula three times during the set and was broken twice herself, but crucially held her serve when it mattered most at 6-5 while serving for the set.

Both players protected their serve better in the deciding set but Eala's forehand let her down when the American broke to go 5-3 up and she served out for a victory that brought her visible relief.

"Of course there is disappointment right after the match," said Eala.

"But there are just so many times in tennis where you have to dig through the dirt to look for the positive and I'm just enjoying because there is so much positive around me and I don't know how many times that happens," she added.

Playing with a strapped thigh from the outset, Eala turned her ankle mid-way through the second set but said she had not been impacted by the injury.

"I literally gave everything I had, I'm half tape, I'm like a mummy. I did everything and I have no regrets," she said.

"To have a week like this, the stars need to align and they did this week, and hopefully I can keep that up - that is my goal now, to keep this up," she added.

Pegula said it had been difficult to play an opponent like Eala.

"I let her back in the match at 3-1 up (second set) and she just started ripping her balls, going for her shots and you just have to weather the storm with people like that. She competes really well," said the American.

SportsLigue