The dream run continues for Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala.
In a massive upset, Eala ousted World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open, 6-2, 7-5, yesterday morning (Philippine time).
It was the latest of a stunning string of results for the 19-year-old Eala, who had already beaten former French Open champion and World No. 25 Jelena Ostapenko and reigning Australian Open champion and World No. 5 Madison Keys.
She received a walkover to the last eight when her opponent, World No. 11 Paula Badosa of Spain, withdrew due to a back injury.
Against Swiatek — a five-time Grand Slam champion — Eala again rose to the level of her competition and showed no fear of the moment.
“I’m in complete disbelief right now. I’m on cloud nine. So thank you everybody who came to watch, and thanks to everyone who’s watching from home,” said Eala, ranked No. 140 in the world, after her stunning win.
“My coach told me to run, to go for every ball, take all the opportunities I can because a five-time Grand Slam champion is not gonna give you the win,” she added when asked to reflect on her performance.
Eala fired 10 winners in the opening set, catching Swiatek off-guard with her forehand down-the-line hits while also benefiting from a whopping 19 unforced errors from the pole.
Armed with momentum, Eala surged to a 2-0 lead in the second set before Swiatek found her rhythm, winning four straight games to take control.
The Filipina teenager regrouped, however, and broke Swiatek for the eighth time at 6-5 to seal the win.
Amazingly, Eala broke the serve of the five-time grand slam champion eight times throughout the match.
“I’m loving the way I’m out there on court. I’m trusting my shots, and I have a good team telling me I can do it,” she told the Tennis Channel desk.
The win was super special with her parents in the stands and coach Joan Bosch from the Nadal Academy and longtime Rafa Nadal coach Toni Nadal.
“It means a lot that he showed up. It showed his confidence and the confidence of the Academy in me,” said Eala.
It was also a full-circle moment for Eala, who had her photo taken with Swiatek two years ago when she graduated from the Rafa Nadal Academy.
“It’s so surreal because I feel like I’m the exact same person that I was in that photo but, of course, circumstances have changed,” said the Filipina star.
“I’m so happy and so blessed to be able to compete with such a player on this stage.”
Semifinals
In the semifinals, Eala will play the winner of the quarterfinal between Emma Raducana and World No. 4 Jessica Pagula.
Eala is giving it her all; her world ranking will shoot up to about 75 from 140 after the massive win.
“Faith and belief and self-esteem. I feel that’s what’s gonna get you through tough times. It will take everything in me. Next match won’t be less tough. It will be even more tough,” she said. (ABS-CBN News / Agence France-Presse)