Alexandra Eala stunned the tennis world anew with a massive quarter-final upset at the Miami Open, defeating world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, 6-2, 7-5, early Thursday (Manila Time).
The 19-year-old Filipina wildcard played the match of her life, reacting with disbelief and nearly sobbing on the court after securing her first WTA semi-final appearance.
The victory was even more surreal for Eala, who had once been a star-struck fan in Swiatek’s presence.
In 2023, she met the Polish tennis star during her graduation ceremony at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, where Swiatek was a guest speaker.
“She was a guest speaker and celebrity guest,” Eala recalled. “I thought I was super lucky to have her during my graduation. She just came off I think a Grand Slam win also, Roland Garros, if I remember correctly. Then she even did the whole ceremony with the class, tossed the hat, and I was so lucky because I was beside her.”
Now, less than a year later, Eala found herself on the opposite side of the net, battling the four-time Grand Slam champion under the bright lights of Miami.
“It’s super surreal to think that the circumstances have changed, I’m facing her on court. I’m blessed to have that opportunity,” she said.
Despite her breakthrough win, Eala admitted that nerves played a big role in the match.
(C) Alex Eala
“[I felt the] nerves, before and after. That’s why I said about the celebration, you don’t really think that the match is over, because you’re still thinking about the next point, what to do next,” she added.
“Everybody gets nervous. I’m sure someone as great as Iga gets nervous from time to time. All these big players get nervous. It’s a matter of how you deal with it and how, like I said, to compartmentalize.”
Eala’s dream run at the Miami Open does not just mark a personal milestone but also a historic one for Philippine tennis.
The 19-year-old is set to become the first Filipina player to break into the top 100 of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings when the new list updates on Monday.
Her stunning performance has earned her a spot in the semifinals, where she will face world No. 4 Jessica Pegula.
More than just recognition and experience, the Filipina tennis ace is also set to take home a significant prize from the Miami Open.
Semifinalists will receive a prize of $332,160. A finalist will earn $597,890, while the champion will take home $1,124,380.
