Alexandra Eala delivers shocking upset in Miami Open Quarterfinals
Alona Yadav | Mar 29, 2025, 01:08 IST
( Image credit : AP )
19-year-old Alexandra Eala has made history by defeating five-time grand slam champion Iga Świątek at the Miami Open, advancing to the semifinals. Eala’s stunning performance has positioned her to reach the WTA top 100 rankings, highlighting her remarkable progress in the tournament.
In a breathtaking display of tennis prowess, 19-year-old Alexandra Eala stunned five-time grand slam champion Iga Świątek, securing a historic 6-2, 7-5 victory that propels her into the Miami Open semifinals.
The Filipina teenager, ranked 140th in the world, continued her remarkable tournament run by defeating Świątek with an impressive combination of power and precision. Her lefty forehand and exceptional return game proved decisive in overcoming the second-seeded Polish star.
Eala's victory marks multiple milestones for Philippine tennis. She has become the first Filipina to reach a WTA semifinal and is set to break into the world's top 100 rankings. Her tournament performance has already included victories over grand slam champions Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys, adding Świątek to her impressive list of conquests.
The moment carried deep personal significance for Eala. Just two years ago, she graduated from the Rafael Nadal Academy, where Świątek was a keynote speaker. "It's so surreal," Eala reflected. "I feel like I'm the exact same person as I was in that photo. But of course, circumstances have changed!"
Rafael Nadal himself celebrated her achievement, writing on social media: "We are extremely proud of you, Alex. What an incredible tournament! Let's keep dreaming!"
Eala will face fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, continuing her quest to make tennis history. Her journey from a young prospect to a giant-killer has captured the imagination of fans worldwide, particularly in the Philippines, where she has already graced the cover of Vogue.
With her extraordinary performance, Alexandra Eala is proving that she is a rising star to watch in the world of professional tennis.
The Filipina teenager, ranked 140th in the world, continued her remarkable tournament run by defeating Świątek with an impressive combination of power and precision. Her lefty forehand and exceptional return game proved decisive in overcoming the second-seeded Polish star.
Eala's victory marks multiple milestones for Philippine tennis. She has become the first Filipina to reach a WTA semifinal and is set to break into the world's top 100 rankings. Her tournament performance has already included victories over grand slam champions Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys, adding Świątek to her impressive list of conquests.
The moment carried deep personal significance for Eala. Just two years ago, she graduated from the Rafael Nadal Academy, where Świątek was a keynote speaker. "It's so surreal," Eala reflected. "I feel like I'm the exact same person as I was in that photo. But of course, circumstances have changed!"
Rafael Nadal himself celebrated her achievement, writing on social media: "We are extremely proud of you, Alex. What an incredible tournament! Let's keep dreaming!"
Eala will face fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, continuing her quest to make tennis history. Her journey from a young prospect to a giant-killer has captured the imagination of fans worldwide, particularly in the Philippines, where she has already graced the cover of Vogue.
With her extraordinary performance, Alexandra Eala is proving that she is a rising star to watch in the world of professional tennis.