Musa
In a stunning upset at the 2025 Miami Open, 19-year-old Filipina wildcard Alexandra Eala defeated world No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek 6–2, 7–5 in the quarterfinals, marking a historic milestone in her burgeoning career.
Eala’s victory not only propelled her into her first WTA 1000 semifinal but also made her the first Filipina to reach this stage at a tour-level event. Her remarkable run in Miami included earlier wins over Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys, showcasing her ability to compete with the sport’s elite.
Ranked No. 140 entering the tournament, Eala’s performance is expected to catapult her into the Top 100 of the WTA rankings, a first for a Filipina player. Her aggressive baseline play and composure under pressure have drawn comparisons to seasoned professionals, signaling a bright future ahead.
Eala’s next challenge is a semifinal match against world No. 4 Jessica Pegula, who advanced after a hard-fought victory over Emma Raducanu. As Eala continues her historic run, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how far this rising star can go in the tournament.
Olaniyi Ayoola
Musa
