Underdog Filipino tennis player Alex Eala channeled her inner David after slaying another Goliath, World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, at the Miami Open on Wednesday, March 26. A stunning 6-2, 7-5 win over the Polish tennis ace made her the first Filipino to enter the WTA 1000 semifinal.

First Filipino to Defeat a Top 10 Player

Underdog Filipino Tennis Player Alex Eala Crushes World No. 2 Underdog Filipino Tennis Player Alex Eala Crushes World No. 2
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Earlier this week, Eala made news as the first Filipino to beat a Top 10 player since the WTA rankings were instituted in 1975. She did it by beating Australian Open titleist Madison Keys. Now, her win over Swiatek cemented her status as an up-and-comer to watch, according to Tennis.com.

With her mentor, "Uncle" Toni Nadal, looking on from the sidelines, Eala put up a strong show, overpowering Swiatek in a mere one hour and 39 minutes at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Following her incredible victory, Eala celebrated by writing, "Miami, you have my ❤️," on the lens of the camera, marking the greatest victory of her young career.

Swiatek Struggles to Regain Top Form

While Eala reached new heights, Iga Swiatek could not keep her level best. The one-time world No. 1 failed to match her dominant showings last year when she won 1000-level titles in Doha and Indian Wells.

Even with her quarterfinal finish in Miami, Swiatek has had her share of setbacks, such as being criticized for an altercation with a perceived aggression against a ball boy during the BNP Paribas Open.

She subsequently explained her actions in an emotional Instagram post, admitting to her frustrations and lack of control during the heat of the moment.

Eala's Road to the Semifinals

Eala's path to the semifinals was nothing short of remarkable. She blitzed through the draw without losing a set, downing Grand Slam winners Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys. Even after receiving a walkover against No. 10 seed Paula Badosa in the fourth round, Eala didn't appear rusty against Swiatek.


Eala Defeats Late Challenge from Swiatek

Eala began powerfully against Swiatek, breaking her serve four times to take the first set 6-2. Swiatek, who committed 19 unforced errors, took a bathroom break after the first set and visited her coach Wim Fissette in hopes of regrouping.

Swiatek got into a rhythm midway through the second set, winning four games in a row to move ahead 4-2. But Eala showed great poise, breaking back and forcing the tie. With Swiatek serving for the set, Eala pounced, breaking serve once more and within a game of taking the match.

Sealing the Biggest Win of Her Career

In the final flurry of points, Eala took advantage of Swiatek's mistakes, taking two match points. She only needed one, and another forehand error by Swiatek gave her the largest victory of her career.

Eala, the current World No. 140, will face Jessica Pegula or Emma Raducanu in the semifinals.