Alex Eala Makes History at Miami Open With Stunning Win Over Iga Swiatek

Alex Eala Shocks Tennis World With Win Over Iga Swiatek, Reaches Miami Open Semifinals

Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra Eala etched her name into the history books with a stunning quarterfinal win over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek at the 2025 Miami Open, defeating the five-time Grand Slam winner 6-2, 7-5 in just under two hours.

At 19 years old and ranked 140th in the world, Eala entered the WTA 1000 event as a wildcard. Her run through the tournament has been nothing short of extraordinary. With this victory, Eala reached her first WTA semifinal and became the first Filipina to achieve such a feat at this level.

“I’m in complete disbelief right now—I’m on cloud nine,” said Eala after the match, visibly emotional as she gazed at the screen in the stadium. The win marked her first over a top-10 player, after earlier toppling Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys.

Despite her limited WTA experience, Eala displayed remarkable composure on court. “I don’t have much WTA Tour experience, but I know how to stay professional and focused,” she said. “I’ve learned to compartmentalize, and I bring that version of myself onto the court.”

Eala’s aggressive returns and dominant forehand kept Swiatek under pressure throughout the match. The Polish star acknowledged Eala’s fearless play, stating, “She went all in. She was loosened up and just went for it.”

Her performance earned praise from Malacañang, with Palace Press Office head Claire Castro saying in Filipino, “This is one of the greatest achievements by a Filipino. The President and the Palace support Filipinos who bring honor to the country.”

Eala credits her success in part to her years of training in Mallorca, Spain, at the prestigious Rafael Nadal Academy. “I hope I can inspire others back home—to watch more tennis, support women’s tennis, and maybe even start playing,” she shared.

Eala now prepares for her semifinal clash against American Jessica Pegula, who overcame Emma Raducanu in a hard-fought three-setter. Pegula, the last American left in the draw, will pose another major test for the young Filipina.

Regardless of the outcome, Eala’s Miami Open campaign has already become one of the most significant stories in Philippine sports history—an inspiration to young athletes and tennis fans alike.