Alexandra Eala celebrates her quarterfinal victory against World No. 2 Iga Swiatek at the 2025 Miami Open. Photo: WTA Social Media Post
MIAMI, FL — Nineteen-year-old Philippine tennis prodigy Alexandra Eala stunned the world by defeating world No. 2 Iga Świątek at the 2025 Miami Open, securing a historic spot in the semifinals of the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament.
Eala’s commanding performance was a display of poise, power, and fearless shot-making as she won 6-2, 7-5, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe of her maturity and skill on the court. The victory marked a significant milestone for the young Filipina, as she became the first-ever Filipino to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal.
“I’m in complete disbelief right now. I’m on cloud nine,” Eala said, visibly overwhelmed by her achievement, in an on-court interview following the match.
Coming into the tournament unseeded, Eala had already made waves by defeating top-tier players like Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko and fan favorite Madison Keys. But it was her stunning victory over Świątek that truly put her on the global map, with tennis fans across the world watching in amazement as Eala dispatched the world No. 2 in straight sets.
With her breakthrough performance, Eala is poised to make history by entering the WTA Top 100 for the first time in her career, further cementing her place as one of tennis’ most promising young stars.
Her victory has sparked celebrations among Filipino communities across the globe, with “#AlexEala” trending on social media as fans hailed her as a new national icon. The 19-year-old’s achievement is being celebrated not only as a personal triumph but also as a historic moment for Philippine tennis.
Despite the magnitude of her win, Eala has remained focused on the challenges ahead. She expressed her gratitude for the support she has received and emphasized the importance of staying grounded, acknowledging that her journey is far from over.
In her post-match interview, Eala recalled her days training at the Rafa Nadal Academy, where just two years ago she stood in a photo with none other than Świątek. “It’s so surreal,” she said. “I feel like I’m the same person as I was in that photo, but everything has changed. I’m so happy and blessed to be competing at this level, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”
Her coach had given her one simple directive before the match: “Run, go for every ball, take every opportunity, because a five-time Grand Slam champion is not going to hand you the win.”
With her semifinal match fast approaching, the young Filipino remained focused on the challenge ahead, ready to continue her remarkable journey in the tournament.
