In a monumental upset, 19-year-old Filipina tennis player Alexandra Eala defeated five-time major champion Iga Swiatek 6-2, 7-5 to advance to the Miami Open semi-finals.
Eala, ranked 140th in the world, produced a fearless and ferocious performance, breaking Swiatek’s serve eight times and capitalizing on the Polish player’s shaky baseline game.
The victory marks the biggest win of Eala’s career, and she will now face either Britain’s Emma Raducanu or American fourth seed Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals.
Eala’s remarkable run in Miami has already guaranteed her a spot in the world’s top 100 next week.
The teenager, who was given a wildcard to play at the WTA 1000 tournament, has beaten several high-profile players, including 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and world number five Madison Keys.
“I’m still in shock,” Eala said in a post-match interview. “My mind is really blank, I don’t think I’ve processed what I’ve just done.”
Eala’s coach, Toni Nadal, uncle of Rafael Nadal, was in her corner during the match against Swiatek. The teenager credited her coach’s advice to “run, go for every ball, and take all the opportunities” as key to her success.
Swiatek, who has been playing with increased security in Miami after being verbally abused by a fan, has not reached a final since winning the French Open in June.
