Alex Eala, a 19-year-old tennis player from the Philippines, defeated world number two Iga Swiatek on Wednesday at the Miami Open, advancing to the semi-finals.
Eala, who received a wildcard entry to the tournament, triumphed over Swiatek with scores of 6-2, 7-5.
This victory marks a significant milestone as Eala becomes the first Filipino woman to reach the semi-finals of a WTA 1000 tournament.
Eala, currently ranked world number 140, capitalized on Swiatek’s uncharacteristic errors and maintained a strong performance throughout the match.
The win over Swiatek adds to Eala’s impressive track record in the tournament, having previously defeated two other Grand Slam champions in the earlier rounds.
Eala’s performance at the Miami Open has garnered attention, elevating her status within the international tennis community.
The Miami Open, part of the WTA 1000 series, attracts top-ranked players from around the world.