Teen tennis prodigy Alexandra Eala is embracing the challenge ahead as she prepares for a second-round showdown against World No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the 2025 Madrid Open — just weeks after pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the season in Miami.
Eala advanced with a confident 6-3, 6-2 victory over Viktoriya Tomova in her opening match on Tuesday, setting up an exciting rematch with Swiatek, whom she stunned in straight sets in the Miami Open quarterfinals. But the 18-year-old from the Philippines isn’t letting that triumph cloud her focus.
“Now that the dust has settled, I try not to think about Miami so much,” Eala said in her post-match press conference. “Of course, it comes to mind when everyone’s asking — but I have my whole life to look back at those moments. Right now, I’m fully focused on Madrid.”
While the Miami win remains a highlight, Eala understands the dynamics of tennis — especially on different surfaces. The Madrid Open is played on clay, a surface where Swiatek has been nearly untouchable, boasting a 90-12 career record and four Roland Garros titles.
“Each match is a different story,” Eala said. “Even if it’s against the same player every time — doesn’t matter if I play her next year in Miami or in Madrid — it’s going to be a different story.”
Swiatek, known for her dominance on clay, has claimed 10 titles on the surface, including multiple WTA 1000 wins. Eala will need to elevate her game even further if she hopes to replicate her Miami magic in Madrid.
Still, the young Filipina brings confidence and momentum. Her win over Tomova marked her career-best performance in Madrid, having fallen in the second round last year. Now, she’s one win away from breaking new ground at the Caja Mágica.
If she can topple Swiatek again, Eala could face No. 31 seed Linda Noskova in the third round — but the teenager’s eyes are firmly set on the immediate challenge ahead.
Eala’s message is clear: she’s not here to relive the past — she’s here to write a new chapter.