FILE–Iga Swiatek of Poland meets Alexandra Eala of the Philippines at Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Al Bello/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines — Facing Iga Swiatek for the second time in her young career fuels Alex Eala to continue growing as a looming tennis superstar.
Eala takes on World No.2 Swiatek of Poland in the round of 64 of the Mutua Madrid Open 2025 on Thursday night (Manila time).
READ: Alex Eala relishes monumental win vs idol Iga Swiatek
The 19-year-old Filipino is looking to replicate her career’s biggest win so far–beating the five-time Grand Slam champion, 6-2, 7-5, in the quarterfinal of the Miami Open 2025 last month.
But at the same time, Eala looks forward to the experience as she faces the Polish superstar for the second time in the WTA 1000 tournament.
“Iga is spectacular. She pushes you to the limit. I love her intensity and her footwork, it’s something I want to look at more to see how I can learn,” Eala told the Mutua Madrid Open website.
“Her serve is really good too. She is certainly a good example to follow.”
Alex Eala in action during the Oeiras Ladies Open as part of her build-up for the 2025 French Open. – Federação Portuguesa de Ténis
Eala went from being a Rafa Nadal Academy student–who was inspired by Swiatek’s appearance during her graduation–to beating the former World No.1 in the Miami Open to complete her feat as a wild card to take down three consecutive Grand Slam champions to reach the semifinals.
In her first clay duel with Swiatek, Eala banks on her vastly improved service, sharing that tennis legend Rafael Nadal gave her a few pointers.
“I still have a lot to improve on in that regard. I’m open to advice,” she said. “But it’s true that Rafa helped me with my serve and I’m seeing a big improvement”.”
Eala, dubbed as the “Wonder Girl” of the tournament website, opened her campaign with a 6-3, 6-2 sweep of Viktoriya Tomova.
After turning heads in the Miami Open, the world No. 72 netter is embracing her meteoric rise but is making sure to stay grounded as she continues to grow and represent the Philippines in the world of tennis.
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“This is all new to me. I’ve had a sudden improvement and it’s put my name out there. I’m trying to get used to everything and to feel professional. When I go into the locker room with the other players, I just want to feel like one of them and to adapt as fast as possible,” Eala said.
