Miami Open: Pegula Defeats Eala, Sets Up Final with Sabalenka

Jessica Pegula ended the impressive Miami Open run of teenage wildcard Alexandra Eala, securing a 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3 win in a dramatic semifinal. Eala, ranked No. 140, had overcome top players including Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek, making history as the second wild card to defeat three Grand Slam champions in one event.

Pegula, after a shaky start, fought back to claim the match in 2 hours and 26 minutes, and will now face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final. Sabalenka earned her place with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 win over Jasmina Paolini, extending her undefeated streak against the Italian.

This marks Sabalenka’s first Miami Open final and her 12th career WTA 1000 final appearance. The showdown between Pegula and Sabalenka will be their ninth meeting, with Sabalenka holding the upper hand in their previous encounters.