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Alexandra Eala stunned five-time grand slam champion Iga Świątek at the Miami Open, winning in straight sets to reach her first career semifinal. The 19-year-old wild card won 6-2, 7-5, showcasing power and precision with her lefty forehand and return of serve.
No. 2 seeded Świątek is now the third grand slam champion Eala, the world No. 140, has defeated en route to the last four in Miami, having already taken down Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys.
Eala has continued making Philippines tennis history in Miami, becoming the first Filipina to reach a WTA semifinal. She will also become the first Filipina to break into the world’s top 100.
In beating Ostapenko, Eala recorded her and the Philippines’ first win over a top-30 player. Both she – and, as a result, her country – now have three.
When Świątek hit her backhand long on match point, Eala turned to face her box with a stunned expression on her face.
“I don’t know what to say,” the 19-year-old said in her on-court interview. “I’m in complete disbelief right now, and I’m on cloud nine.”
While this was the first time Eala and Świątek had faced off on the court, it wasn’t the first time the pair had met.
Eala began training at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain when she was 13 years old and, at her graduation ceremony in 2023, Świątek was there as a keynote speaker.
The teenager has long been one of tennis’ most exciting prospects, winning the US Open girls’ singles title in 2022 and the girls’ doubles titles at the 2021 French Open and 2020 Australian Open.
Her 2022 victory vaulted her to stardom back home and led to her gracing the cover of Vogue Philippines soon after.
Eala will next face No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula, who battled past a resurgent Emma Raducanu 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2, as she bids for yet more history.
