Alexandra Eala defeats Dayana Yastremska in 3-set thriller at Indian Wells

Eala advances to the next round, earning over $25,000 in prize money

Mar. 7, 2026 at 9:57am

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In a closely contested 3-set match at the Indian Wells tournament, 18-year-old Filipino tennis player Alexandra Eala defeated Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska 7-5, 4-6, 7-5. With this win, Eala has now earned over $61,000 in prize money so far this tournament, and will take home an additional $43,855 if she wins her next match, bringing her total earnings to $105,720.

Why it matters

This victory is a significant milestone for the rising star Eala, who is making a name for herself on the professional tennis circuit. The match against the experienced Yastremska showcased Eala's talent and resilience, as she was able to come back and win the deciding set after dropping the second. Eala's success also highlights the growing prominence of women's tennis in Asia.

The details

Eala and Yastremska traded sets, with Eala taking the first 7-5 and Yastremska evening it up 4-6 in the second. In the decisive third set, Eala prevailed 7-5 to clinch the victory. This was the second career meeting between the two players, with Eala now leading the head-to-head 2-0.

  • The match took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California.
  • Eala earned $25,755 for winning this 2nd round match.

The players

Alexandra Eala

An 18-year-old Filipino tennis player who is making a name for herself on the professional circuit.

Dayana Yastremska

A professional tennis player from Ukraine who has faced off against Eala on the WTA Tour.

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What they’re saying

“This was a tough battle but I'm proud that I was able to come through in the end. Dayana is a formidable opponent and I knew I would have to fight for every point.”

— Alexandra Eala

What’s next

If Eala wins her next match, she will earn an additional $43,855, bringing her total tournament earnings to over $105,000.

The takeaway

Eala's victory over the experienced Yastremska demonstrates her growing talent and potential on the women's tennis tour. Her success is a source of pride for the Philippines and highlights the increasing prominence of Asian players in the sport.