MADRID — World No. 1 Iga Swiatek narrowly avoided another shock defeat at the hands of Filipina teenager Alexandra Eala, rallying from a set down to secure a hard-fought 6-7(5), 6-0, 6-2 victory in their first-round clash at the 2024 Madrid Open.
Swiatek, who suffered a stunning loss to Eala in the 2023 WTA Finals exhibition, found herself in trouble early as the 18-year-old qualifier showcased fearless tennis. Eala, ranked No. 173, stunned the crowd by taking the first set in a tiebreak, raising fears of a repeat upset. However, the Polish star regrouped emphatically, dominating the next two sets to advance.
Eala’s Early Brilliance
Eala, a former junior Grand Slam champion, came out swinging with aggressive baseline play, targeting Swiatek’s forehand and disrupting her rhythm. The Filipina saved three break points in her opening service game, setting the tone for a fiercely contested first set. Swiatek admitted afterward, "She played without pressure, and I felt a bit tense. She was hitting winners from everywhere."
Key moments in the first set:
- Eala saved a set point at 5-6 with a daring drop shot.
- Swiatek double-faulted twice in the tiebreak, including on set point.
- Eala’s first-serve percentage (78%) kept Swiatek from finding openings.
Swiatek’s Dominant Response
After dropping the first set, Swiatek shifted gears, unleashing her trademark heavy topspin to dictate rallies. She broke Eala three times in the second set, conceding just seven points in a 22-minute masterclass. "I knew I had to be more aggressive," Swiatek said. "I started using my angles better and trusted my movement."
The third set saw Eala briefly regain momentum, breaking Swiatek early. But the four-time Grand Slam champion responded with a ruthless streak, winning five consecutive games to close out the match. Eala’s unforced errors climbed to 42 in the decider as Swiatek’s consistency wore her down.
Key Stats
- Swiatek won 82% of first-serve points after the first set.
- Eala’s winners dropped from 18 in Set 1 to just 6 in Set 3.
- Swiatek converted 7 of 12 break points overall.
Eala’s Rising Stock
Despite the loss, Eala earned praise for her fearless performance. The teenager, who trains at the Rafael Nadal Academy, has risen rapidly since winning the 2022 US Open girls’ title. "She’s going to be a problem for everyone soon," Swiatek remarked post-match.
Eala, who received a wildcard into qualifying, expressed pride in her effort: "I proved I can compete with the best. Iga adjusted well, but this gives me confidence for the rest of the season." She is projected to break into the Top 150 after Madrid.
Swiatek’s Road Ahead
Swiatek, seeking her first Madrid title, faces a tricky second-round match against former French Open finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The Pole holds a 3-1 head-to-head edge but lost their most recent meeting at the 2023 WTA Finals. "I need to start matches better," Swiatek acknowledged. "Clay is about patience, and I found mine today."
With Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina looming as potential semifinal opponents, Swiatek’s ability to grind out wins like this could prove crucial. Her 12-match winning streak on clay remains intact, but Eala’s scare served as a reminder that nothing is guaranteed.
As for Eala, her performance signals a bright future. "I’ll take the positives," she said. "Playing Iga on center court was a dream. Next time, I’ll be ready to finish the job."
The match lasted 2 hours and 18 minutes, a testament to Eala’s resilience. While Swiatek ultimately prevailed, the tennis world will be watching closely when these two meet again.