In the world of tennis, surprises occasionally shake the circuits, and this week’s Miami Open has been no exception. Nineteen-year-old wild card Alexandra Eala has made headlines with her unexpected advancement to the semifinals, notably capturing the attention of Rafael Nadal.
On Wednesday, Eala played a remarkable match highlighted by her victory over No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek, a renowned five-time Grand Slam champion. Entering as a substantial underdog, Eala shocked spectators with a 6-2, 7-5 triumph.
Following this incredible performance, Nadal expressed his support via an Instagram story, saying, “Let’s keep dreaming!” This acknowledgment from the 22-time Grand Slam champion is especially meaningful, given that Eala trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy throughout her formative years. Dramatically, she even took a graduation photo next to both Nadal and Swiatek this past summer.
The support from the academy is evident; Eala was also bolstered by the presence of Toni Nadal, Rafa’s uncle and longstanding coach, who was seen in her box encouraging her during the match.
Despite the backing of such formidable mentors, Eala’s win is remarkable. Swiatek, recognized for her consistency, hadn’t fallen to a player outside the top 100 since 2021, affirming her reputation as an upset-proof competitor. Swiatek even served for the second set at 5-4, underscoring the significance of Eala’s resolve and performance.
Eala’s incredible journey has broken several records for players from the Philippines. She is now celebrated as the first Filipina to reach the semifinals of a WTA 1000 tournament and to topple a top 10 player, including multiple Grand Slam champions. Notably, her victories include defeating Jelena Ostapenko in the second round, Madison Keys in the third, and now Swiatek.
This accomplishment significantly boosts Eala’s ranking, beginning the week at No. 140 in the world. A loss in the semifinals will still elevate her to No. 75, providing her much-needed access to main draws in Grand Slam events. A final appearance positions her at No. 51, while a title win ranks her as high as No. 34.
Next up, Eala faces either Emma Raducanu or No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula, potentially paving the way for further sensational moments in her burgeoning career.
