The 19-year-old won in straight sets, securing a 6-2, 7-5 victory with an impressive performance.
Her strong left-handed forehand and sharp return helped her dominate the match.
Świątek is now the third Grand Slam champion Eala has defeated in Miami.
She had already beaten Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys earlier in the tournament.
Making History
Her victory over Ostapenko marked the first time a Filipina defeated a top-30 player.
Now, both she and the Philippines have achieved three such wins.
When Świątek missed match point, Eala turned to her team in complete disbelief.
Unforgettable Moment
“I have no words,” Eala said during her post-match interview.
“I’m in shock and feel like I’m dreaming.”
This was the first time she played against Świątek, but not their first meeting.
Eala trained at Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain from age 13.
At her 2023 graduation, Świątek attended as the keynote speaker.
Dream Come True
Eala was shown a picture of her younger self standing beside Nadal and Świątek.
“It feels unreal,” she told the WTA after her win.
“I feel like I’m still the same person, but my career has changed.”
She credited her coach for pushing her to chase every ball and take risks.
“My coach reminded me that a five-time Grand Slam champion won’t just hand over a win,” she said.
Rising Star
Eala has been one of tennis’ most exciting young players.
She won the 2022 US Open girls’ singles title.
She also secured doubles championships at the 2021 French Open and 2020 Australian Open.
Her 2022 victory made her a national hero in the Philippines.
She even landed on the cover of Vogue Philippines after her triumph.
Next Opponent
Eala’s next challenge will be No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula in the semifinals.
Pegula secured her spot after defeating Emma Raducanu in a tough three-set battle.
After Eala’s win, tennis legend Rafael Nadal shared his support.
“We are so proud of you, Alex! Keep dreaming,” Nadal wrote on X.
With her historic run, Eala has inspired a new generation of tennis fans.
Other Semifinal
The other Miami Open semifinal will feature Aryna Sabalenka and Jasmine Paolini.
Sabalenka, ranked No. 1 in the world, extended her dominance over Zheng Qinwen.
She secured her semifinal spot with a 6-2, 7-5 victory.
Eala, meanwhile, hopes to continue her magical run.
Her journey at the Miami Open is already making waves back home.
