Alexandra Eala
extended her impressive performance at the Miami Open by defeating a player who has won five Grand Slam titles
Iga Świątek
In straight sets to make it to the first semifinal of her burgeoning career.
Thanks to a remarkable performance marked by both strength and accuracy, particularly evident in her powerful left-handed forehand and excellent service returns, the young wildcard entry secured victory with scores of 6-2, 7-5 at just 19 years old.
No. 2 seed Świątek is currently the third Grand Slam champion that Eala, ranked World No. 140, has managed to defeat on her way to reaching the semifinals in Miami. Prior to this, she had also overcome challenges from Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys.
Eala continues to make Philippine tennis history in Miami by becoming the first Filipina to advance to an WTA semifinal. Additionally, she will be the first Filipina to enter the world’s top 100 rankings.
By defeating Ostapenko, Eala notched her and the Philippines’ first victory over a top-30 opponent. This achievement brings both her and her nation’s total to three wins against such players.
When Świątek sent her backhand shot long on match point, Eala spun around towards her team area with a look of shock on her face.
I’m at a loss for words,” stated the 19-year-old during her on-court interview. “Right now, I am utterly amazed and floating on air.
Although this was the inaugural match between Eala andŚwiątek on the tennis court, they weren’t meeting for the first time ever.
Eala started her training at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain at age 13, and during her graduation ceremony in 2023, Świątek attended as the keynote speaker.
When presented with an image of both of them alongside Nadal, Eala’s sense of incredulity intensified.
“It feels so dreamlike,” she remarked, according to
WTA
I feel just like my essence hasn’t changed from what you see in that picture. Yet, naturally, situations around me have shifted! It’s an incredible joy for me to participate here alongside such a remarkable competitor.
My coach instructed me to hustle, chase down each ball, and seize every opportunity since a five-time grand slam champion isn’t just going to hand you the victory.
The young player has long stood out as one of tennis’ most promising talents, claiming the US Open girls’ singles championship in 2022 and securing the girls’ doubles titles at both the 2021 French Open and the 2020 Australian Open.
In 2022, her win propelled her to fame in her homeland and resulted in her being featured on the cover of Vogue Philippines shortly thereafter.
Eala will next go up against No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula, who emerged victorious over a rejuvenated Emma Raducanu with scores of 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2, as she aims to make even more history.
“We are incredibly proud of you, Alex,” stated left-hander and 22-time Grand Slam singles winner Nadal.
wrote on X
What an amazing tournament! Let’s continue to dream!
In the remaining semifinal match, Aryna Sabalenka is set to compete against Jasmine Paolini following the undefeated streak of the Belarusian World No. 1 against Zheng Qinwen, which she has now extended to 6-0 with a scoreline of 6-2, 7-5.
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