“If You Want to Be a Lion…,” Alexandra Eala Echoes Wise Words From Her Father After Crushing Defeat to Iga Swiatek in Madrid

Nineteen-year-old Alexandra Eala ignited the Miami Open just last month, showcasing fierce determination as she powered through the draw. Her remarkable run culminated in a maiden WTA 1000 semifinal appearance, highlighted by a stunning straight-sets victory, 6-2, 7-5, over World No. 2 and 2022 Miami champion, Iga Swiatek. Eala’s powerful performance capitalized on Swiatek’s errors in the first set. Despite a second-set fightback from the Pole, the Filipina held her ground. However, their H2H evened out in Madrid, with Swiatek avenging her loss in their subsequent encounter. Is Eala beat down about it, though? Not really!

On Friday, after entering the Madrid Open as a wildcard and taking down Viktoriya Tomova in R1, Eala’s tournament came to an end against Swiatek. Following the loss against Iga, the 19-year-old starlet expressed her thoughts on her campaign at her second 1000s event. She wrote on IG, “Wow-what an experience playing in this year’s @mutuamadridopen, especially on Pista Manolo Santana. It’s such a privilege to bring out my competitive side and perform at a high level on these iconic courts. [Translated from Spanish] I feel very fortunate to have all this crowd supporting me here in Madrid. Thank you all very much for coming.” Pretty down to earth, right?

During their round of 64 match, the tension was high. Swiatek struggled, making 25 unforced errors and losing serve four times, falling behind 6-4, 3-2—echoing Eala’s Miami upset last month. But the world No. 2, defending 4000 points after winning Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros last year, regrouped, adjusted her strategy, and fought back fiercely. After two hours and 15 minutes of intense play, Swiatek turned the match around, winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 and proving why clay remains her strongest surface.