Alex Eala wins in her US Open 2024 Qualifying Round | Photo by Kielan Santos
NEW YORK—In a highly anticipated match between the Philippines’ pride Alex Eala and Paula Badosa, Eala clinched her WTA quarterfinals berth after Badosa withdrew from her Round of 16 match at the Miami Open due to a recurring lower back injury. Badosa’s injury has been a persistent challenge, and she was noticeably struggling during her match against Clara Tauson in the Round of 32, but she persevered to win it in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (3).
According to a news report, Badosa plans to focus on recovery ahead of the clay-court season. Eala’s walkover win will not count towards her overall win-loss record, but her current WTA ranking at No. 140 is expected to boost her ranking significantly. While the exact ranking update will depend on the points she earns from her quarterfinal match and other players’ performances, advancing to the quarterfinals of a WTA 1000 event is a significant milestone that will propel her closer to the Top 100.
Eala’s ITF singles ranking has seen significant progress over the years. She reached a career-high of No. 134 in January 2025. Previously, she won five ITF singles titles and three doubles titles. This milestone reflects her consistent performance and dedication to the sport.
Competing in her sixth WTA 1000 event, Eala will face No. 2 seed and former champion Iga Swiatek, who defeated No. 23 seed Elina Svitolina in their Round of 16 match in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3. Swiatek showcased her resilience and skill, especially during a tightly contested first set.
The 19-year-old junior US Open champion in 2022 and giant slayer Eala gives herself a fighting chance for the remaining 2025 to play in a Grand Slam main draw. She was beaten at last year’s French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open qualification rounds. Her match with Swiatek will be another challenging task for her to win after she slayed two top players—Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion, and Madison Keys, the 2025 Australia Open champion—in the Miami Open.
Eala and Swiatek’s match is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26, at 11 a.m. Eala’s year is shaping up to be exciting.
