Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is set to compete in the 2025 Madrid Open, with a potential rematch against world No. 2 Iga Swiatek looming in the second round. The 19-year-old is currently ranked No. 72 in the world. The Madrid Open, officially named the Mutua Madrid Open for sponsorship reasons, is a prestigious tournament on both the ATP and WTA tours. The tournament is being held from April 22 to May 4, 2025, at the Caja Mágica in Madrid, Spain.
Eala’s Path to a Swiatek Rematch
Eala’s first challenge in Madrid is against Viktoriya Tomova of Bulgaria, currently ranked No. 64 in the world. Eala, who is entering the Madrid Open as a wildcard, will face Tomova in the Round of 128. If Eala defeats Tomova, she will advance to the Round of 64, where she could potentially face Iga Swiatek. Swiatek, as a high-ranking player, receives a bye in the first round.
This potential rematch is generating considerable buzz, as Eala recently defeated Swiatek in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open.
The Miami Open Upset
Eala’s victory over Swiatek at the Miami Open was a significant upset, propelling the Filipina teenager into the Top 100 of the WTA rankings for the first time in her career. Eala won the match in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, marking a major milestone in her career.
En route to the Miami Open semifinals, Eala also secured wins against other notable players, including Madison Keys and Jelena Ostapenko. Her impressive run in Miami solidified her status as a rising star in the world of tennis.
Eala’s Recent Performance and Ranking
Following her success in Miami, Eala reached a career-high ranking of No. 73 on April 7, 2025. This achievement makes her the highest-ranked Filipina player in WTA history.
Prior to the Madrid Open, Eala competed in the Oeiras Ladies Open, a WTA 125 tournament in Portugal. However, she experienced a setback, losing in the Round of 16 to Panna Udvardy of Hungary.
The Madrid Open: A WTA 1000 Event
The Madrid Open is a WTA 1000 event, meaning it is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the WTA Tour, offering significant ranking points and prize money. The tournament is played on outdoor clay courts at the Caja Mágica.
The Madrid Open has been held since 2009 and has seen champions such as Serena Williams, Petra Kvitova, and Simona Halep. Iga Swiatek is the defending champion, having won the title in 2024.
Eala’s 2025 Schedule and Future Goals
Eala’s schedule includes participation in other significant clay-court events, such as the Italian Open in Rome and the French Open at Roland Garros. She officially earned a spot in the 2025 French Open main draw. Her improved WTA ranking allows her to directly enter the tournament, bypassing the need for qualifying rounds.
Eala has expressed her ambition to win a Grand Slam title.
Key Facts About Alex Eala
- Full Name: Alexandra Maniego Eala
- Birth Date: May 23, 2005
- Age: 19
- Birth Place: Quezon City, Philippines
- Plays: Left-Handed
- Height: 5′ 9″ (1.75m)
- Current WTA Ranking: No. 72 (as of April 14, 2025)
- Career-High WTA Ranking: No. 72 (April 14, 2025)
- 2025 YTD Prize Money: $376,590
- Notable Achievements:
- 2022 US Open Junior Champion
- 2025 Miami Open Semifinalist
- Highest-Ranked Filipina in WTA History
Other Players in Swiatek’s Madrid Open Bracket
Besides Eala, other notable players in Iga Swiatek’s section of the Madrid Open draw include Madison Keys, Emma Navarro, Diana Shnaider, and Jelena Ostapenko.
Historical Context of the Madrid Open
The Madrid Open has a rich history, evolving from an indoor hard court event to a prominent clay-court tournament. In 2009, the tournament moved to the Caja Mágica, added a women’s draw, and transitioned to clay courts. The Caja Mágica is equipped with a retractable-roof main court. The tournament attracts a large number of fans and is broadcast in numerous countries worldwide.
Eala’s Potential Impact
Eala’s success on the WTA Tour has generated excitement in the Philippines, inspiring a new generation of tennis enthusiasts. Her achievements have raised the profile of tennis in the country and have motivated young Filipinos to pursue the sport.
Madrid Open Details
- Tournament: Mutua Madrid Open
- Category: WTA 1000
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Dates: April 22 – May 4, 2025
- Surface: Outdoor Clay Courts
- Venue: Caja Mágica
- Defending Champion (Women’s Singles): Iga Swiatek
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