“If You Want to Be a Lion…,” Alexandra Eala Echoes Wise Words From Her Father After Crushing Defeat to Iga Swiatek in Madrid

Nineteen-year-old Alexandra Eala ignited the Miami Open just last month, showcasing fierce determination as she powered through the draw. Her remarkable run culminated in a maiden WTA 1000 semifinal appearance, highlighted by a stunning straight-sets victory, 6-2, 7-5, over World No. 2 and 2022 Miami champion, Iga Swiatek. Eala’s powerful performance capitalized on Swiatek’s errors in the first set. Despite a second-set fightback from the Pole, the Filipina held her ground. However, their H2H evened out in Madrid, with Swiatek avenging her loss in their subsequent encounter. Is Eala beat down about it, though? Not really!

On Friday, after entering the Madrid Open as a wildcard and taking down Viktoriya Tomova in R1, Eala’s tournament came to an end against Swiatek. Following the loss against Iga, the 19-year-old starlet expressed her thoughts on her campaign at her second 1000s event. She wrote on IG, “Wow-what an experience playing in this year’s @mutuamadridopen, especially on Pista Manolo Santana. It’s such a privilege to bring out my competitive side and perform at a high level on these iconic courts. [Translated from Spanish] I feel very fortunate to have all this crowd supporting me here in Madrid. Thank you all very much for coming.” Pretty down to earth, right?

During their round of 64 match, the tension was high. Swiatek struggled, making 25 unforced errors and losing serve four times, falling behind 6-4, 3-2—echoing Eala’s Miami upset last month. But the world No. 2, defending 4000 points after winning Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros last year, regrouped, adjusted her strategy, and fought back fiercely. After two hours and 15 minutes of intense play, Swiatek turned the match around, winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 and proving why clay remains her strongest surface.

But for Eala, it was more than just a match. It was a step in the right direction for her! She added, “Today’s match was a battle, and I’m counting on it not being the last. Sometime ago, my dad told me, ‘If you want to be a lion, you have to live in the den.’ I’ve earned my place in the den-and I like to think I’m a lion in the making.” Alexandra might not have won, but her humility and familial love seem to have preserved all!

It’s no secret—Alexandra Eala is all about family. After her huge win over Madison Keys at the Miami Open Round of 16, she couldn’t wait to celebrate: “I can’t wait to call my mom and dad. Nakuha natin, dad, mom.” Her gratitude shines through, and it’s no wonder—her parents sent her to Spain at just 13 for tennis, a leap of faith that changed everything.

When Tennis Channel asked about her inspiration, Eala didn’t hesitate: “My family. It’s just that they’ve been there since day one, and they are really the ones, they’ve been my rock and they’ve been the constant in all this chaos of a tennis career, you know? So, I love them so much and they inspire me every day.” That support system? Rock-solid, and it shows every time she steps on court.

Her tennis story started at age four, playing to bond with her grandfather, a club coach, and her brother Miko, who later played for Penn State. As her talent grew, her family made the bold call to send her to the Rafa Nadal Academy. That move set her on the world stage—and the rest is history in the making.

Not to mention, Eala was pretty hyped for this match-up against Iga. Even though her last tournament didn’t work out as planned, with a second-round exit against Panna Udvardy at the Oeiras Ladies Open in Portugal, where she started strong, defeating Anouk Koevermans in the round of 32 on April 14. She came into the match against Iga with a mature mindset!

Eala explains how she views rivalry with each tournament

The two players share more than just their left-handed play and baseline prowess—they have a unique bond beyond the court. When Eala graduated from the Rafa Nadal Academy in June 2023, Swiatek was been a guest of honor, even delivering a speech to the class. Their connection runs deep, making their Miami Open clash last month and Madrid rematch this April all the more compelling.

After stunning Swiatek in Miami, Eala kept her cool when asked about their Madrid showdown. “I definitely think that each match is a different story,” she said. “Even if it’s against the same player every time—it doesn’t matter if I play her at the same time next year in Miami or in Madrid next year, it’s going to be a different story than the last one.” Her mature outlook shows she’s ready for whatever comes next.

Eala’s confidence hasn’t wavered despite the challenge. Speaking with Dyan Castillejo, she said, “With the same mentality as every match, the same mentality as today. She is a big player, so I have to be ready for what she is going to bring out and trust that I will prepare well.” She knows beating Swiatek once doesn’t guarantee a repeat, but she’s embracing the challenge head-on.

Though Eala’s Madrid run ended this year, her family’s unwavering support and fierce determination hint at exciting things ahead. She currently stands at the No.72 rank with a 15/ 9 win-loss rate. But with her eyes on the prize, the tennis world can’t wait to see what she does next.

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