By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Photo credit: Tony Chang/Chang Photography
In tennis, there’s a saying: what you don’t anticipate can be your downfall.
In a jaw-dropping match at the Miami Open, Iga Swiatek faced the unexpected fury of Alexandra Eala, suffering a shocking defeat with scores of 6-2, 7-5, as she struggled to counter the left-handed dynamo’s intense returns.
Filipina Flair: Eala Stuns Keys in Miami Upset
Reflecting on this monumental upset, Swiatek admitted her surprise at the aggressive style and precision of the world No. 140’s shots, which often came out of nowhere.
“For sure, I didn’t expect her to hit so flat, yet she remained incredibly focused and aggressive,” Swiatek remarked to the press in Miami. “Many of her shots seemed to appear unexpectedly, but it was clear she had her eyes set on pushing me.”
She added: “It clearly worked out in her favor today.”
Last season, Swiatek was renowned for her service game, ranking No. 1 in held service games.
However, today, Eala dismantled Swiatek’s serve with impressive skill.
Eala broke Swiatek’s serve in eight out of ten attempts and dominated the second serve, winning 19 of 25 points played on it.
“While her left-handed style didn’t catch me off guard, her all-in approach certainly did,” Swiatek noted. “She executed her returns flawlessly, making it hard for me to reply effectively.”
Training at the esteemed Rafa Nadal Academy for seven years, Eala, who refers to it as her “second home,” is a close friend of the tennis icon and received support from Toni Nadal, Rafa’s uncle and original coach, during the match. Yet, her playing style contrasts sharply with Nadal’s signature topspin, as Eala employs a flatter trajectory.
Throughout the match, she consistently pressured Swiatek by stepping into the court and launching aggressive flat shots into the corners.
Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, along with Nadal, ceremoniously awarded Eala her diploma during her graduation from the Rafa Nadal Academy School in Mallorca.
In this match today, the eager student Eala outmaneuvered her mentor Swiatek, demonstrating her prowess with stealthy strikes.
A few of Swiatek’s second serves felt like a blindfolded boxer in the ring: she was unable to see the powerful returns coming her way.
“She returned exceptionally well,” Swiatek stated. “I was not prepared for the next shots.”
