FILIPINO tennis ace Alex Eala is in line for a third clash against world No. 3 Iga Swiatek of Poland at the WTA 1000 Miami Open slated from March 17-29.
If 31st seed Eala and 2nd seed Swiatek hurdle their round of 64 opponents, they will forge their third match in the round of 32.
Eala and Swiatek first met in the same tournament last year when the Filipino netter was given a wildcard entry.
Ranked 140th at that time, Eala stunned the then world No. 2 Swiatek in the quarterfinals, 6-2, 7-5.
A 6-time Grand Slam champ, Swiatek got back at Eala at the Madrid Open the following month, taking a come-from-behind 4–6, 6–4, 6–2 round of 64 victory.
In an article published on the Indian Wells website, Eala talked about her Miami Open run last year and upcoming campaign this year.
“I can’t speak for the future and what will actually happen when I arrive in Miami. Miami last year was a beautiful time for me and it was the start of all of this, but since then I’ve achieved a lot as well.
“I’ve grown a lot and I’ve had so many good matches, so many tough losses, so much experience since then. And that’s helped me build confidence, self-esteem, and I know that I belong here.
“So it doesn’t matter if I win the tournament in Miami or if I lose in the first round, I know I’m here and I’m here to stay.”
As seeded entrants, Eala and Swiatek received first-round byes this year.
World No. 29 Eala will face the winner between Laura Siegemund and Petra Marcinko to start her campaign.
On the other hand, Swiatek will battle either Magda Linette or Varvara Gracheva to begin hers.