Eala continues to weave magic in 2025 Miami Open

Sports

INCREDIBLE. Unbelievable. Magical. Impossible. Stunning. Amazing.

One would run out of adjectives to describe Alex Eala’s run in the 2025 Miami Open as the 19-year-old Filipina tennis ace took down another marquee opponent to advance to the semifinal round on Thursday morning (Philippine time), March 27.

Eala added five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek to her list of high-profile victims, winning in their quarterfinal duel, 6-2, 7-5, to complete another upset.

Swiatek became third Grand Slam champion that Eala eliminated in this Women’s Tennis Association (WTA1000) event as she has previously defeated 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the second round and current Australian Open titlist Madison Keys in the third round.

Eala is the first Filipina to reach a WTA1000 tournament semifinal, putting up a stellar run that has not gone unnoticed by the tennis world.

“We are extremely proud of you, Alex. What an incredible tournament! Let’s keep dreaming!” tennis legend Rafael Nadal said in a social media post.

Eala is a product of Nadal’s tennis academy.

Up next for Eala is American Jessica Pegula, who is ranked No. 4 in the world.

Pegula clinched her own semifinal berth by ousting 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, 6-4, 6-7, 6-2.

The other semis duel will pit Aryna Sabalenka against Jasmine Paolini.

Eala was ranked No. 140 when she qualified to the Miami Open as a wildcard. With her stirring wins, she is assured of breaking into the Top 100.

By also making it to the semifinals, Eala is aleary assured of a staggering $332,000 (roughly P19 million) cash prize.

“I am in complete disbelief and I’m on cloud nine,” Eala said moments after her big win over Swiatek.(CCM)