Alexandra Eala has made WTA history after beating world number two Iga Swiatek to reach the Miami Open semi-finals.
Eala stunned Swiatek in Miami, beating the five-time Grand Slam champion in straight sets to continue her dream run.
As a result, she has become the first ever Filipino to reach a WTA 1000 semi-final, with Eala also beating Madison Keys and Jelena Ostapenko during her run to the final four in Miami.
With 19-year-old Eala coming into the spotlight, she has now spoken about some of her tennis idols growing up.
Alexandra Eala names her four favorite players on the WTA Tour
Eala, who won the US Open girls title in 2022, has become the third wildcard in history to reach the Miami Open semi-finals.
When in her post-match press conference, Eala was asked about which WTA players she looked up to growing up.
In response to this question, Eala revealed that five-time major winner Maria Sharapova was her ultimate favorite player, while also mentioning her adoration for Li Na, Ash Barty and recently retired Simona Halep.
“Growing up my absolute favourite was Maria Sharapova,” said Eala. “I guess I loved her grit and the way she styled herself and carried herself. I was very young and she was someone I really looked up to.
“Then later on it was people like Halep, people like Li Na, people like Barty. There were so many. I took inspiration from so many people.”
Eala is also associated with 22-time major winner Rafael Nadal, having graduated from his academy two years ago.
Alexandra Eala reveals whether Rafael Nadal has messaged her
Having joined Nadal’s academy as a 13-year-old, Eala graduated in 2023 and was actually awarded her certificate by Swiatek.
Nadal, who retired last year, has congratulated his student on social media, but Eala declared that she has not had any direct contact with the Spaniard.
“Rafa has not personally messaged me but then again I have turned my notifications off,” explained Eala. “I think that is also part of being professional and compartmentalising.
“I think it can be very overwhelming. I won’t deny that it is a lot. That is why I am trying to manage it the best I can and just focus on what I need to focus on and then I can get back to everybody after the week is done.”
As Eala looks to continue her fairytale run at the Miami Open, she will now play world number four Jessica Pegula for a place in the final.
Regardless of what happens in her semi-final, Eala has already confirmed that she will make her top 100 debut following the conclusion of the Miami tournament.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
