Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala is gearing up for another high-stakes clash with world no. 2 Iga Swiatek, this time at the Madrid Open’s Round of 64 on Thursday night.
The 19-year-old Eala, currently ranked WTA no. 72, is coming off an impressive 6-3, 6-2 victory over Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova in the opening round. Swiatek, the five-time Grand Slam champion, received a first-round bye and will be making her tournament debut against Eala.
This matchup comes just weeks after Eala shocked the tennis world by defeating Swiatek in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open, one of the biggest wins of her young career. Thursday’s rematch presents Swiatek with a chance to bounce back, while Eala will aim to prove her Miami triumph was no fluke.
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at the two players:
| Player | Alex Eala | Iga Swiatek |
|---|---|---|
| WTA Ranking | 72 (as of April 14, 2025) | 2 |
| Career-High Rank | 72 | 1 (April 4, 2022) |
| Age | 19 | 23 |
| Height | 5’9″ | 5’9″ |
| Playing Hand | Left-handed | Right-handed |
With momentum on her side, Eala is hoping to continue her rise on the WTA Tour—while Swiatek looks to restore order at the top. Tennis fans can expect a thrilling showdown under the Madrid lights.