The Miami Open just witnessed one of its biggest upsets, as 19-year-old Alexandra Eala stunned world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, 6-2, 7-5, to storm into her first-ever WTA 1000 semifinal. The Filipina star, already turning heads with her fearless game, added yet another chapter to her fairytale run.
“Miami, you have my ❤️,” Eala joyfully wrote on the camera lens after her monumental victory.
A Trailblazer for the Philippines
Eala’s win over Swiatek was her third consecutive triumph over a Grand Slam champion, following her victories against Jelena Ostapenko and Australian Open winner Madison Keys. This historic feat makes her the first Filipino player to ever reach a WTA 1000 semifinal. Having trained at the Rafael Nadal Academy, Eala showcased her fighting spirit with Toni Nadal cheering her on from the sidelines.
“It’s so surreal,” Eala said after the match. “I’m so happy and so blessed to compete with such an incredible player on this stage.”
Swiatek’s Struggles Continue
Despite her stellar past performances, Swiatek’s form has been shaky. Following her semifinal exit in Melbourne and recent controversy at Indian Wells, the former world No. 1 is still searching for consistency. Her game faltered in Miami, with 19 unforced errors in the opening set alone.
Swiatek’s challenges were evident as she called for a coaching break and attempted to reset. She found her rhythm briefly in the second set, rallying from a 0-2 deficit to lead 4-2. But Eala, unwavering under pressure, flipped the momentum once again. The teenager broke Swiatek twice to seize the victory, securing her place in the semifinals.
Rising Star on the Global Stage
Eala’s Cinderella story has captivated fans worldwide. From winning the 2022 junior US Open to now reaching a WTA 1000 semifinal, she’s rapidly climbing the rankings and will crack the WTA Top 100 for the first time next week. Her fearless gameplay, powerful groundstrokes, and relentless court coverage make her a formidable force.
Next up, Eala will face the winner of the match between Emma Raducanu and Jessica Pegula. With momentum on her side, she’s one step away from the Miami Open final.
Stay tuned as Alexandra Eala continues her historic run!
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