Eala is as much as No.25 within the reside rankings after her newest victory.
Like most of the venues she visits for the primary time, Alexandra Eala has taken a liking to the onerous courts in Washington, D.C. The 21-year-old continued her rise on Friday evening within the nation’s capital by securing a hard-fought 6-3, 6-4 win over Elina Svitolina to set a semifinal conflict with Naomi Osaka.
The Filipino sensation, the primary participant from her nation to ever contest the primary attract DC, has now reached a career-high No.25 within the WTA reside rankings and can contest her fifth profession semifinal, and third of 2026.
“Onerous-fought win, and actually excited to play once more tomorrow,” Eala stated in her post-match press convention.”
Enthusiastic followers confirmed up in droves to see Eala play as soon as once more. Event director Mark Ein stated that almost all of calls his workers takes about scheduling are from followers eager to know when Eala will play. It’s a phenomenon that the tennis world couldn’t have imagined earlier than the southpaw from Quezon Metropolis hit the scene.
“The ambiance was electrical,” Eala stated. “After all, the previous two matches have additionally had nice crowds, however I believe at the moment was slightly bit extra. I don’t know if that needed to do with the time that I performed, however yeah, I actually felt the love.”
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Eala improved to 6-2 in opposition to the Prime 10 in 2026, together with her second win over Svitolina in as many months.
She needed to rally from a break down within the second set in opposition to the World No.10 to get it performed. She broke for 3-all and once more to clinch the win, changing her third match level with Svitolina serving to remain alive at 4-5.
She’s going to meet four-time Slam champion Osaka for the primary time on Saturday.
“She achieved a lot,” Eala stated. “After all, very highly effective participant. I believe lots of people would watch her finals and, after all, her rise. So I’m actually excited to be enjoying her tomorrow. Going to be a tricky match. I hope I can deliver my finest.”
“I’ve by no means performed Alex earlier than, however clearly I’ve seen a few of her matches,” stated Osaka after her 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Italy’s Elibetta Cocciaretto. “She’s had an unbelievable yr thus far. Truthfully, enjoying her I believe could be actually enjoyable for me, simply to get that data about how she performs.”
Chris Oddo. Chris Oddo is a contract sportswriter, podcaster, blogger and social media marker who’s a lead contributor to Tennisnow.com. He additionally writes for USOpen.org, Rolandgarros.com, BNPParibasOpen.com, TennisTV.com, WTAtennis.com and the official US Open program.
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