Alex Eala defeated Maya Joint on Thursday afternoon, setting up a blockbuster Wimbledon clash with defending champion Iga Swiatek.
Eala avenged her loss to Joint in the 2025 Eastbourne Open final, beating the Australian 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 on Court Three.
Iga Swiatek now awaits the Filipina in round three.
What is the best win of Alexandra Eala’s career so far? 🤔
Iga Swiatek in Miami, Clara Tauson at the US Open, Jasmine Paolini in Dubai, or a different match?
A little over one year ago, Eala caused one of the upsets of the decade by defeating Swiatek in the Miami Open quarter-finals.
The teenage wildcard, who was a relatively unknown figure outside of the Philippines at that stage in her career, could not contain her surprise after securing a 6-2, 7-5 victory in Florida.
Alex Eala was in ‘complete disbelief’ after beating Iga Swiatek at the 2025 Miami Open
“I’m in complete disbelief right now. I’m on cloud nine,” a stunned Eala told the crowd in Miami after triumphing. “So thank you everybody who came to watch, and thanks to everyone who’s watching from home.”
After the contest, Eala was presented with a photo of her Rafael Nadal Academy two years earlier. The photo showed Eala with her graduation certificate, with Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek standing on either side of her.
“It’s so surreal. I feel like I’m the exact same person as I was in that photo,” Eala stated. “But of course, circumstances have changed!
“I’m so happy and so blessed to be able to compete with such a player on this stage.
Alex Eala’s 2025 Miami Open run
- R1: defeated Katie Volynets 6-3, 7-6
- R2: defeated Jelena Ostapenko 7-6, 7-5
- R3: defeated Madison Keys 6-4, 6-2
- R4: Walkover following Paula Badosa’s withdrawal
- QF: defeated Iga Świątek 6-2, 7-5
- SF: lost to Jessica Pegula 6-7, 7-5, 3-6.
“My coach told me to run, to go for every ball, to take all the opportunities I can, because a five-time Slam champion is not going to give you the win.”
Eala went on to lose in the semi-finals to American star Jessica Pegula, 6-7, 7-5, 3-6.
A year later, Eala reached the third round after beating Laura Siegemund and Magda Linette.
She was then beaten by Karolina Muchova in straight sets.
Who will Alex Eala or Iga Swiatek play in the next round?
Eala now has the opportunity to advance to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career.
Whoever emerges victorious out of Eala and Swiatek will play one of Kamilla Rakhimova, Jasmine Paolini, Maria Sakkari, or Viktorija Golubic.
Alexandra Eala vs Iga Świątek
- 2025 Miami Open: Eala beat Swiatek 6-2, 7-5
- 2025 Madrid Open: Swiatek beat Eala 4-6, 6-4, 6-2
- 2026 Wimbledon: ?
Paolini is the obvious candidate to emerge from that collection of players. The Italian is a former Wimbledon finalist and a top 15 seed.
However, Paolini has endured a difficult year on the Tour, losing to a variety of lower-ranked opponents.
One of those players was Alex Eala – at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The Filipina defeated Paolini 6-1, 7-6 on her way to the quarter-finals.
