Tennis – Madrid Open – Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain – April 24, 2025 Philippines’ Alexandra Eala and Poland’s Iga Swiatek in motion throughout their spherical of 64 match. REUTERS/Juan Medina
MADRID– This time, Iga Swiatek had the solutions towards teenage sensation Alex Eala.
After a quarterfinal loss to the rising star from the Philippines final month in Miami, Swiatek rallied to a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory within the second spherical of the Madrid Open on Thursday.
READ: Alex Eala falls to Iga Swiatek in three units at Madrid Open
The second-ranked Swiatek, who’s the defending Madrid champion, is attempting to achieve her first remaining of the season.
“On clay I really feel like I’ve somewhat bit extra benefit typically within the conditions, the place Alexandra might take extra benefit on quicker onerous courts,” the four-time French Open champion mentioned. “I perceive that there’s hype about these younger gamers, however you bought to be targeted on your self.”
The 19-year-old Eala, a product of Rafael Nadal’s academy, defeated Swiatek in straight units throughout her breakthrough run in Miami.
Tennis – Madrid Open – Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain – April 24, 2025 Poland’s Iga Swiatek reacts throughout her spherical of 64 match towards Philippines’ Alexandra Eala REUTERS/Juan Medina
Eala broke Swiatek’s serve early and cruised to victory within the first set on the Caja Magica middle court docket, however the former No. 1 regained her management for the remainder of the match, benefiting from a letdown by her younger opponent.
READ: Alex Eala stays targeted regardless of extra consideration on her
“From the start I didn’t play easily, however I managed to unravel some issues,” mentioned the 23-year-old Swiatek, who was a set and a break down earlier than rallying to victory.
Swiatek has made three semifinal appearances this 12 months, together with on the Australian Open and in Indian Wells. She misplaced her second match in Stuttgart final week, falling towards Jelena Ostapenko in three units.
Earlier than beating Swiatek in Miami, the left-handed Eala had additionally defeated two different Grand Slam winners — Ostapenko and Madison Keys. Her run ended within the semifinals after a loss to Jessica Pegula.
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please attempt once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
The last-four look in Miami allowed Eala to turn into the primary Filipina to be ranked inside the highest 100. She is presently the No. 72.
