MIAMI – In a stunning turn of events at the Miami Open on March 26, 19-year-old Alexandra Eala from the Philippines accomplished one of the most remarkable upsets of the WTA season by defeating world No. 2 Iga Swiatek with a score of 6-2, 7-5. While many spectators might have anticipated emotional outbursts from the young star after such a significant victory, Eala remained composed and focused.

As she clinched the final point of the match—breaking Swiatek's serve for the eighth time—Eala's face exhibited a flicker of emotion, but she held back tears, opting instead for a dignified celebration. Reflecting on her victory, Eala shared, “I was so present in the moment that it was hard to realize what had just happened.”

This match marked a pivotal moment in Eala's burgeoning career on the WTA Tour, showcasing not only her talent but also her impressive preparation and mental strength. “While I may not have extensive experience on the WTA Tour, I’ve learned to compartmentalize and maintain professionalism on the court,” she explained, highlighting her ability to navigate high-pressure situations.

Eala’s journey in tennis has been shaped significantly by her time in Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca, which she joined at the age of 13. For six years, she’s trained rigorously with elite coaches and fellow aspiring players. However, she credits her composed demeanor to values instilled by her family. “My family has guided me through my career, and their success in business and other fields has greatly influenced me,” she stated.

The atmosphere during the match was electric, with Eala's parents flying in from the Philippines, alongside an uncle and cousin from Seattle, to witness her historic moment. Notably, Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal’s uncle and coach, was also present, symbolizing the connection and support Eala has from the academy.

“I wanted to make my family proud by winning, but I know they would be thrilled just to see me competing at this level,” Eala remarked. The presence of Toni Nadal added to her motivation, reinforcing her confidence as she prepares for the next challenge.

In a poignant moment, Eala recalled a previous meeting with Swiatek at an academy graduation event two years prior, expressing her hope that her success would inspire young athletes in the Philippines. With a growing list of teenagers making remarkable debuts in the WTA, Eala stands out for her exceptional professionalism and poise at such a young age.

Looking ahead, Eala’s next challenge will be against American fourth seed Jessica Pegula, who recently triumphed over 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu in another quarter-final match. The stage is set for Eala to continue her remarkable journey and potentially make history at the Miami Open!