Jessica Pegula teed up a showdown with Aryna Sabalenka at the Miami Open with a hard-fought win over surprise package Alexandra Eala. (More Tennis News)
Teenager Eala has enjoyed an exceptional run in Miami, having beaten grand slam champions Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek en route to becoming the lowest-ranked semi-finalist in the tournament's history.
But beating world number four Pegula proved a bridge too far, as the American triumphed 7-6 (7-3) 5-7 6-3 in a tie that went late into the night.
After edging a close opener in the tiebreak, Pegula looked set to charge away at 3-1 up in the second set, yet Eala hit back and broke her opponent three times.
Eala could not maintain the momentum as Pegula's experience told in the decider, though.
Pegula will now have the chance to push for her fourth WTA 1000 title on Saturday, with world number one Sabalenka waiting for her in the final.
It was a good day for the home hopes in Miami, with American men's number one Taylor Fritz beating Matteo Berrettini to reach the Miami semi-finals for the first time.
Data Debrief: Late bloomer
There is a 12-year age gap between Eala and Pegula, who has blossomed late in her career.
Pegula has now reached three WTA-1000 level finals since turning 30. Since the format's introduction in 2009, only two players have reached more such finals after their 30th birthday – Serena Williams (16) and Li Na (four).
She goes into Saturday's final with a 2-6 head-to-head record against Sabalenka, though. She lost to the Belarusian in the finals of the Cincinnati Open and US Open last year.
