Alex Eala’s run at the WTA 1000 Madrid Open came to an end Thursday evening (Manila time), as the young Filipina sensation bowed to world no. 2 Iga Świątek in a three-set battle, 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, at Park Manzanares in Spain.
The loss marked a reversal of fortune for the 19-year-old Eala, who shocked the tennis world a month ago by stunning Świątek, 6-2, 7-5, in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open — a historic win that catapulted her to global attention.
But on the red clay courts of Madrid, it was the four-time Grand Slam champion who returned the favor, outlasting the rising Filipina star in two hours and 17 minutes.
Eala came out firing, breaking Świątek early in the opening set and riding her aggressive baseline play to claim the first frame, 6-4.
Świątek, however, settled in during the second set.
The former world no. 1 elevated her play, dominating Eala with deep, topspin-heavy groundstrokes that thrived on the clay.
Świątek improved her first serve win percentage to 64% and broke Eala four times in the next two sets, including a pivotal break midway through the third set that swung the momentum for good.
The 23-year-old Świątek ended the match with 100 total points won compared to Eala’s 80, and notably grabbed 52 receiving points against Eala’s 32 — a stat that proved key in her comeback.
Despite the loss, Eala showcased her trademark resilience, keeping the match tight with effective returns and court coverage. She managed five breaks against Świątek and won 7 games in the final two sets combined.
Świątek also fired six aces to Eala’s three, and edged the Filipina in max points won in a row (10 to 7).
Eala entered the round of 64 with confidence after dispatching Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova, 6-3, 6-2, in the opening round.
