Alexandra Eala and Iga Swiatek 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 a guest of honor, even delivering a speech to the class. So, their connection runs deep, making their Miami Open clash last month and Madrid rematch this April all the more compelling.
After pulling off an upset against Swiatek in Miami, Eala was composed ahead of 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,” she said.
Continuing further, she added, “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.”
Though Eala’s Madrid run ended this year, her family’s unwavering support hints at exciting things ahead. She currently stands at No.72 in the WTA rankings with a 15/ 9 win-loss rate. But with the extraordinary potential that she has shown, the tennis world can’t wait to see what she has in store going forward.
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