Alexandra Eala on Cloud 9 after a career-defining win over Iga Swiatek to reach Miami Open semifinals

Alexandra Eala has now beaten three Grand Slam champions as she is in her first Masters 1000 semifinals at the Miami Open.

Alexandra Eala on Cloud 9 after a career-defining win over Iga Swiatek to reach Miami Open semifinals

Alexandra Eala and Iga Swiatek (Via Independent and Yahoo)

Philippines tennis star Alexandra Eala was only 13 years old when she left her country to join the Rafael Nadal Academy. At her graduation ceremony, she saw her dream come true as the “King of Clay” and Iga Swiatek handed her the degree to mark her graduation.

Since then, many things have changed, and Eala has become a professional tennis player. In an incredible storyline, she has now defeated the reigning French Open champion to secure her spot in the Miami Open semifinals.

YouTube video

Eala was asked about this historic achievement right after match point. The Filipino star couldn’t believe what had just happened, saying she felt like she was on “Cloud 9.”

I don’t know what to say. I’m in complete disbelief. I’m on cloud 9. Thank you everyone who came to watch.

Alexandra Eala said in her post-match interview

She now has a chance to achieve what Russian tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva did at Indian Wells. Eala, who is also a left-hander, could further strengthen the presence of young WTA players making an impact in major tournaments.

Alexandra Eala makes history for her country

Alexandra Eala has made history as the first player from the Philippines to reach a tour-level semifinal. She is also set to become the first Filipina ranked inside the Top 100 of the PIF WTA Rankings next Monday. She is only the third wild card to reach the Miami Open semifinals, following Justine Henin in 2010 and Victoria Azarenka in 2018.

Alexandra Eala
Alexandra Eala (Image via X/CGTN Sports Scene)

Ranked No. 140, Eala has had an impressive run, defeating Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys. She is only the second wild card to beat three or more Grand Slam champions in one tournament, following Elina Svitolina at Wimbledon 2023. Before this event, she had never beaten a Top 40 player or faced a Top 20 opponent. Now, she has two wins against Top 10 players.

This defeat marks only the third time Iga Swiatek has lost to a player ranked outside the Top 100 in a WTA main draw. Her previous losses were to Karolina Muchova in Prague 2019 and Ana Konjuh in Miami 2021. Eala’s next challenge will be against either No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula or Emma Raducanu. She will fight for a spot in her first-ever WTA final.

How Alexandra Eala beat Iga Swiatek

Alexandra Eala continued her historic run at the Miami Open with a stunning victory over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek. She won 6-2, 7-5, securing her spot in her first WTA 1000 semifinal.

Rafael Nadal, Alexandra Eala, Iga Swiatek
Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek at Alexandra Eala’s graduation (image via Rafa Nadal Academy)

Eala, who advanced after a walkover from Paula Badosa, started strong despite an early break against her. She quickly took control, breaking Swiatek’s serve four times to win the first set. Swiatek struggled with her accuracy, hitting 19 unforced errors and consulting her coach before taking a break.

Eala built on her momentum in the second set with a 2-0 lead, but Swiatek fought back, winning four games in a row. It seemed like the match was heading for a third set, but Eala stayed calm and broke Swiatek again as she served for the set.

With the match on the line, Swiatek made key errors, giving Eala two match points. The 19-year-old needed just one, forcing another mistake from Swiatek to claim the biggest win of her career.