Alexandra Eala felt like she was in cloud nine at the Miami Open on Wednesday.
The 19-year old Eala frustrated world no. 2 Iga Swiatek to post an historic 6-2, 7-5 upset at the 2025 Miami Open Tennis Tournament’s women’s singles quarterfinals.
Eala held her ground in the 11th game of the second set, and broke serve in the 12th , allowing her to reach her first ever Women’s Tennis Association 1000 semifinals.
“I’m in complete disbelief right now. I’m in cloud nine. Thank you,” said Eala as she acknowledged Filipino fans who came to watch her, wave the Philippine flag, and sought her autographs after the match.
Taking an hour and 39 minutes to get past Swiatek, the world no. 140 ranked Eala found sweet spots force Swiatek to commit errors.
She took a 6-5 advantage after Swiatek’s wide returns went out of bounds, 40-30.
“I’m just so happy and so blessed to compete with such a player at this stage,” added Eala.
In the 12th and final game and with the Polish netter serving, Swiatek’s return shot went high, and handed Eala a 40-15 edge.
After committing a fault in her next serve, Swiatek’s long forehand return went out.
Eala, with a look of astonishment in her eyes, went on to shake hands with Swiatek before greeting fans who loudly cheered for her afterwards.
With the shock victory, Eala became the first Filipino player to score a Top 10 victory on three Grand Slam champions this week.
The last time was when she repulsed Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the third round.
Before that, it was no. 25 Jelena Ostapenko in the second round.
Eala earlier grabbed a 3-1 lead in the first set over Swiatek, who was seen struggling to catch up with the Filipina’s aggressive and blistering pace.
Swiatek had earlier reached the semifinals of the Indian Wells meet, and lost to Mira Andreeva, 6-7(1-7), 6-1, 3-6.
And this seemed to have taken its toll on her in the Miami Open.