Rising tennis star Alex Eala will face World No. 2 Iga Swiatek once again, this time on clay at the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, after cruising through her first-round match on Tuesday.
Eala, 19, displayed her growing prowess by defeating Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova 6-3, 6-2 in under 90 minutes. Her victory sets up a much-anticipated rematch against Swiatek, who had a first-round bye and is the tournament’s defending champion. The young Filipina shocked the tennis world last month when she beat Swiatek in straight sets at the Miami Open quarterfinals.
Reflecting on that monumental win, Eala kept her perspective mature and grounded.
“Now that the dust has settled, I try not to think about Miami so much,” she said post-match. “Of course it comes to mind when everyone’s asking — but I’ll always have those memories. Right now, I’m fully focused on Madrid. The tour goes on.”
Against Tomova, Eala was highly efficient on return, winning 63.2% of points on Tomova’s first serve and converting 6 of 9 break-point chances. She also showed resilience by saving 5 of the 8 break points she faced.
Elsewhere in Madrid, Lucia Bronzetti of Italy knocked out former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka in a dramatic 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 battle. It was Osaka’s first match on clay this season, and while she led the ace count 7-0, the match was dead even in total points (99-99). Bronzetti credited her tactical shifts, including effective drop shots, for the upset.
“From the outside maybe it seems easy, but when you’re on court against a great champion like her, it’s always tough,” said Bronzetti.
Other results from Tuesday:
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Caroline Dolehide (USA) def. Elina Avanesyan 6-4, 6-4
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Hailey Baptiste (USA) def. Sorana Cirstea 6-2, 5-7, 7-6(4)
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Marie Bouzkova (CZE) def. Renata Zarazua 6-2, 4-6, 6-1
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Wins also for Lulu Sun (NZL), Katie Boulter (GBR), and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (ESP)
The day wrapped up with Peyton Stearns (USA) taking on Kimberly Birrell (AUS) in the final scheduled match.
All eyes now shift to the Swiatek vs. Eala rematch — a clash that promises high drama as the clay season heats up.