Alexandra Eala made headlines at the Miami Open by defeating five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, to reach her first career semifinal. The 19-year-old wild card, currently ranked No. 140, has now triumphed over three Grand Slam champions during the tournament, making her the first Filipina to achieve this milestone and poised to enter the world’s top 100. Eala expressed her disbelief and joy after the win, reflecting on her past meeting Świątek at the Rafael Nadal Academy. She will next face No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula in the semifinals.
CNN
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Alexandra Eala continued her remarkable journey at the Miami Open, defeating five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek in straight sets to secure her first semifinal appearance in her budding career.
The 19-year-old wild card triumphantly won 6-2, 7-5, showcasing an impressive blend of power and accuracy, especially with her left-handed forehand and service returns.
Świątek, seeded No. 2, becomes the third Grand Slam champion that Eala, currently ranked No. 140 in the world, has defeated on her path to the semifinals in Miami, having previously overcome Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys.
Eala is making history for Philippine tennis in Miami, becoming the first Filipina to reach a WTA semifinal. She is also on the brink of being the first Filipina to enter the world’s top 100.
By defeating Ostapenko, Eala notched her and the Philippines’ first victory against a top-30 player. Both she and her country now have three such wins.
When Świątek’s backhand sailed long on match point, Eala faced her box, her expression one of surprise and disbelief.
“I don’t know what to say,” the 19-year-old expressed during her on-court interview. “I’m in total disbelief right now, and I feel like I’m on cloud nine.”
While this marked the first time Eala and Świątek clashed on the court, it was not their first encounter.
Eala began her training at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain at the age of 13, where Świątek served as a keynote speaker at her graduation ceremony in 2023.
Upon viewing a photo of herself alongside Nadal and Świątek, Eala’s sense of disbelief intensified.
“It feels so surreal,” she said, according to the WTA. “I feel like I’m still the same person I was in that photo. But obviously, circumstances have changed! I’m incredibly happy and blessed to compete against such a player on this stage.”
“My coach advised me to run, to go for every ball, to seize every opportunity since a five-time Grand Slam champion isn’t going to hand you the win.”
This young athlete has been recognized as one of the most promising talents in tennis, having won the US Open girls’ singles title in 2022 and the girls’ doubles titles at both the 2021 French Open and the 2020 Australian Open.
Her victory in 2022 catapulted her into the spotlight in her home country, leading her to appear on the cover of Vogue Philippines shortly thereafter.
Eala will next take on No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula, who overcame a determined Emma Raducanu with a score of 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2, as she aims for further historical achievements.
“We are immensely proud of you, Alex,” praised fellow lefty and 22-time Grand Slam singles champion Nadal on X. “What an incredible tournament! Let’s keep dreaming!”
In the other semifinal, Aryna Sabalenka will compete against Jasmine Paolini after the Belarusian world No. 1 maintained her undefeated streak over Zheng Qinwen, winning 6-2, 7-5.