Eala won the US Open juniors title in 2022, becoming the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles trophy.
She beat former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko, reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys and former world number one Iga Swiatek on her way to the Miami last four.
As a result she became the first Filipino woman to break into the world’s top 100.
She stayed firm against Tauson, a big hitter who can be wayward, and the 14th seed let her frustrations boil over at a crucial time in the third set.
After Eala set up two break points with Tauson leading 5-4 in the decider, the Dane complained that her opponent had hit the ball before it had crossed the net.
She was booed by the crowd as she argued with umpire Kader Nouni.
“It was so difficult,” Eala said.
“She [Tauson] is a huge player – definitely not an easy draw for a first round but I’m so happy that I could dig deep.
“I was thinking I had to push the limit, physically and mentally.”
Eala will face either Spanish world number 95 Cristina Bucsa of Spain or American Claire Liu next.
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