Alexandra Eala s dream run ends as Jessica Pegula sets up final with Aryna Sabalenka

MIAMI – Philippine sensation Alexandra Eala has no regrets, as her remarkable run at the Miami Open came to a brave end with a three-set loss to Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals on March 27.

In an enthralling battle over 2hr 26min, fourth-seeded American Pegula emerged with a 7-6 (7-3),5-7, 6-3 win to seal a place in the March 29 final against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who put on a comprehensive display to demolish Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2.

The 19-year-old Eala, ranked 140th in the world, had only two WTA main-draw victories before arriving in Miami.

But she proceeded to beat three Grand Slam winners in Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and world No. 2 Iga Swiatek.

The lowest-ranked semi-finalist in the tournament’s history, Eala seriously threatened to go one step further with another accomplished and effervescent display.

The tide looked to have turned against her when Pegula broke to go 3-1 up in the second set, but Eala broke back and her fist pump and look of determination were signs of things to come.

She broke Pegula three times in the set and was broken twice herself but crucially was able to hold when serving for the set at 6-5.

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...

“I’m just enjoying because there is so much positive around me and I don’t know how many times that happens.”

Playing with a strapped thigh from the outset,