Mar 26, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHL) celebrates after her match against Iga Swiatek (POL)(not pictured) on day nine of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Alex Eala, a 19-year-old wildcard from the Philippines, produced a huge upset at the Miami Open on Wednesday, defeating world number two Iga Swiatek 6-2 7-5 to reach the semi-finals.
World number 140 Eala, the first woman from her country to reach the last eight of a WTA 1000 tournament, took advantage of an unusually poor display from Swiatek and broke her for the final time when Swiatek was serving to stay in the match at 6-5 down in the second set.
Alex Eala: Philippines’ smash hit on path toward tennis stardom
“I don’t know what to say. I’m in complete disbelief right now, I’m on cloud nine,” an emotional Eala said during the on-court interview, thanking Filipinos fans back home who stayed up watching the game.
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https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2025/03/2025-03-26T190431Z_87664920_MT1USATODAY25771940_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-MIAMI-OPEN-scaled.jpg
2025-03-26 22:18:48
