{"id":1836757,"date":"2026-03-20T11:30:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T08:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1836757"},"modified":"2026-03-20T11:30:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T08:30:12","slug":"swiateks-worst-nightmare-ealas-tense-win-kouames-huge-breakthrough-miami-open-roundup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1836757","title":{"rendered":"Swiatek&#8217;s &#8216;worst nightmare&#8217;, Eala&#8217;s tense win &amp; Kouame&#8217;s huge breakthrough: Miami Open roundup"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"ps-article-content rounded-lg lg:mt-5 lg:border lg:border-card lg:bg-card lg:shadow-primary\">\n<header>\n<h1 class=\"py-4 text-xl font-normal text-title sm:text-2xl\">Swiatek\u2019s \u2018worst nightmare\u2019, Eala\u2019s tense win &amp; Kouame\u2019s huge breakthrough: Miami Open roundup<\/h1>\n<div class=\"my-2 flex items-center justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/author\/oli-dickson-jefford\" class=\"text-sm font-normal !text-author\"><br \/>\n                            Oli Dickson Jefford                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <time class=\"ml-3 text-sm font-normal text-info md:ml-4\" datetime=\"20 Mar 2026 11:30 AM\" data-ps-date=\"20 Mar 2026 11:30 AM\" data-ps-datetime=\"1774006212\"><br \/>\n                            20 Mar 2026 11:30 AM                        <\/time>\n                    <\/div>\n<div class=\"hidden justify-end space-x-4 text-xl sm:flex sm:!opacity-100\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=tennis365.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><br \/>\n                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"mx-auto !my-0 hidden dark:block h-6\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/content\/themes\/tennis365-sportsui\/img\/png\/preferred_source_badge_dark.png\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" width=\"76\" height=\"24\"><br \/>\n                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"mx-auto !my-0 dark:hidden h-6\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/content\/themes\/tennis365-sportsui\/img\/png\/preferred_source_badge_light.png\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" width=\"76\" height=\"24\"><br \/>\n                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tennis-news\/swiateks-worst-nightmare-ealas-tense-win-kouames-huge-breakthrough-miami-open-roundup\" class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" aria-label=\"Share to facebook\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennis365.com%2Ftennis-news%2Fswiateks-worst-nightmare-ealas-tense-win-kouames-huge-breakthrough-miami-open-roundup\" class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" aria-label=\"Share to twitter\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennis365.com%2Ftennis-news%2Fswiateks-worst-nightmare-ealas-tense-win-kouames-huge-breakthrough-miami-open-roundup\" class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" aria-label=\"Share to linkedin\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/\/send\/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennis365.com%2Ftennis-news%2Fswiateks-worst-nightmare-ealas-tense-win-kouames-huge-breakthrough-miami-open-roundup\" aria-label=\"Share to whatsapp\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/share.flipboard.com\/bookmarklet\/popout?v=2&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennis365.com%2Ftennis-news%2Fswiateks-worst-nightmare-ealas-tense-win-kouames-huge-breakthrough-miami-open-roundup\" aria-label=\"Share to flipboard\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n<div class=\"sm:hidden flex items-center space-x-5\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=tennis365.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><br \/>\n                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"mx-auto !my-0 hidden dark:block h-6\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/content\/themes\/tennis365-sportsui\/img\/png\/preferred_source_badge_dark.png\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" width=\"76\" height=\"24\"><br \/>\n                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"mx-auto !my-0 dark:hidden h-6\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/content\/themes\/tennis365-sportsui\/img\/png\/preferred_source_badge_light.png\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" width=\"76\" height=\"24\"><br \/>\n                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <button id=\"t365-article-share-btn-hidden\" class=\"mr-2 hidden h-6 w-6 appearance-none border-none !text-share-icon outline-none hover:!text-share-icon-active sm:hidden\" data-title=\"Swiatek\u2019s \u2018worst nightmare\u2019, Eala\u2019s tense win &amp; Kouame\u2019s huge breakthrough: Miami Open roundup\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/button>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"-mx-3 sm:-mx-5 border-b border-page\"><\/div>\n<section>\n<div class=\"-mx-3 sm:-mx-5\">\n<figure class=\"aspect-h-9 aspect-w-16 relative\">\n                                        <img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1320\" height=\"742\" loading=\"eager\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover object-center !my-0\" src=\"https:\/\/d2me2qg8dfiw8u.cloudfront.net\/content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Swiatek-Eala-Kouame-1320x742.jpg\" alt=\"Pictured L-R: Iga Swiatek, Alex Eala, and Moise Kouame.\">                <\/figure><figcaption class=\"flex items-center space-x-3 border-b border-mobile-caption px-3 lg:border-caption\">\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"my-1.5 break-words !text-xs !text-content\">\n                                Tennis players Iga Swiatek, Alex Eala, and Moise Kouame.                            <\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"ciam-article-t365\">\n<p>The Miami Open is finally in full swing, with a dramatic full day of action on Thursday after rain delays earlier in the tournament.<\/p>\n<p>Both the women\u2019s and men\u2019s singles competitions are officially underway, and plenty of big storylines are continuing to emerge.<\/p>\n<p>Here, we look at the biggest stories from the Miami Open.<\/p>\n<h2>Swiatek stunned as incredible streak ends<\/h2>\n<p>World No 3 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/iga-swiatek\">Iga Swiatek\u2019s<\/a> form struggles continued on Thursday, with the Pole stunned in three sets by compatriot <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/magda-linette\">Magda Linette<\/a> in the second round.<\/p>\n<p>The 2022 Miami Open champion got off to a roaring start, but then her level dropped significantly, with compatriot Linette claiming a shock 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory.<\/p>\n<p>Defeat for Swiatek continues a difficult run of form, and was her first loss in an opening match of an event since the 2021 WTA Finals.<\/p>\n<p>The world No 3 revealed after the match that the manner of her defeat was her \u201cworst nightmare\u201d, and that she was \u201cconfused\u201d by elements of her game.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read More<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tennis-news\/miami-open-iga-swiateks-worst-nightmare-as-star-stunned-in-historic-loss\">Miami Open: Iga Swiatek\u2019s \u2018worst nightmare\u2019 as star stunned in historic loss<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Eala overcomes tension in winning start<\/h2>\n<p>Twelve months on from her breakthrough run, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/alex-eala\">Alex Eala<\/a> started her Miami Open campaign with a win on Thursday \u2014 though it was far from straightforward.<\/p>\n<p>The Filipina was forced to bounce back from losing a tight opening set and was on court for over three hours in a battling 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-3 victory over tour veteran <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/laura-siegemund\">Laura Siegemund<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Eala was not happy with Siegemund during the match, complaining that the German was \u201cdelaying\u201d the match with lengthy breaks between points.<\/p>\n<p>She will now face world No 50 Linette in round three.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read More<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tennis-news\/alex-eala-avoids-rankings-blow-complaining-opponents-behaviour-miami-open\">Alex Eala avoids major rankings blow after dispute with opponent in marathon Miami Open win<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Rising star Kouame seals historic win<\/h2>\n<p>Long-recognised as one of the hottest prospects in French tennis, 17-year-old <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/moise-kouame\">Moise Kouame<\/a> claimed his first Masters 1000 main-draw win in Miami on Thursday.<\/p>\n<p>Having received a wildcard into the event, Kouame rallied from a set down to beat home favourite Zachary Svajda 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the second round, booking a clash with 21st seed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/jiri-lehecka\">Jiri Lehecka<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The 17-year-old is now the youngest man since Rafael Nadal in 2003 to win a Masters 1000 main-draw match, and is set to soar up the ATP Rankings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read More<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tennis-news\/moise-kouame-66-atp-rankings-makes-history-miami-open-win\">Teenage prodigy Moise Kouame +66 in ATP Rankings as he makes history with Miami Open win<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Musetti adds to withdrawal chaos<\/h2>\n<p>World No 5 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/lorenzo-musetti\">Lorenzo Musetti<\/a> is the latest player to withdraw from the tournament, with the Italian out amid ongoing physical concerns.<\/p>\n<p>Musetti was set to be the fourth seed in the men\u2019s singles draw but pulled out after the draw was made, with a lucky loser set to replace him.<\/p>\n<p>The Italian is now one of 21 different players to withdraw from either the men\u2019s or women\u2019s singles event, joining the likes of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/novak-djokovic\">Novak Djokovic<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/emma-raducanu\">Emma Raducanu<\/a> on the absentee list.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read More<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tennis-features\/miami-open-withdrawal-list-world-no-5-joins-djokovic-raducanu-absences-pile-up\">Miami Open withdrawal list: World No 5 joins Djokovic &amp; Raducanu as absences pile up<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Want more from Tennis365? Add us as <a rel=\"noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=tennis365.com\" target=\"_blank\">a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for tennis coverage you can trust.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Swiatek\u2019s \u2018worst nightmare\u2019, Eala\u2019s tense win &amp; Kouame\u2019s huge breakthrough: Miami Open roundup Oli Dickson Jefford 20 Mar 2026 11:30 AM Tennis players Iga Swiatek, Alex Eala, and Moise Kouame. The Miami Open is finally in full swing, with a dramatic full day of action on Thursday after rain delays earlier in the tournament. Both [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[226,249],"class_list":["post-1836757","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crawlmanager","tag-tennis365-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1836757","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1836757"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1836757\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1836757"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1836757"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1836757"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}