Alexandra Eala, Filipino tennis star, made another history at the 2025 Miami Open by defeating world No. 2 Iga Świątek in the quarterfinals.
The 19-year-old wildcard entry won in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, to advance to the semifinals of the tournament.
This landmark win not only underscores Eala’s burgeoning potential but also marks a significant milestone for Philippine tennis on the global stage.
Eala faced her most formidable opponent yet in Iga Świątek, a five-time Grand Slam champion renowned for her dominance on the court.
She started strong, breaking Świątek’s serve multiple times in the first set.
She remained confident and focused, using powerful shots and smart plays to keep the Polish star on the defensive.
In the second set, Świątek tried to fight back, taking a 4-2 lead.
a stunning backhand return takes Eala up 4-2 against Swiatek!#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/mTcwlrqVHB
— wta (@WTA) March 26, 2025
However, Eala showed great determination, winning five of the next six games to close out the match.
Undeterred by Świątek’s stature, Eala played with remarkable poise, breaking Świątek’s serve multiple times in the first set to seize control.
Despite Świątek’s efforts to mount a comeback in the second set, Eala maintained her composure, overturning a 4-2 deficit and ultimately clinching the match.
This victory is particularly significant as it marks the third time Eala has defeated a Grand Slam champion in the tournament, following her wins over Ostapenko and Keys.
Her success in Miami has propelled her into the top 100 of the WTA rankings, making her the first Filipino player to achieve this feat.
Her historic run at the Miami Open not only elevates her status but also shines a spotlight on Philippine tennis, inspiring a new generation of athletes in her home country.
Before facing Świątek, Eala defeated:
Katie Volynets (First Round)
Jeļena Ostapenko (Second Round) – A former French Open champion
Madison Keys (Third Round) – World No. 5 and reigning Australian Open champion
Eala will now compete in the semifinals of the Miami Open. Fans around the world are eager to see if she can continue her historic run and possibly win the title.
It was a quarterfinal match, meaning Eala advanced to the semifinals after winning.
Keep Reading: Filipina Tennis Star Alex Eala Secures Biggest Win Over Madison Keys
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