Swiatek Rallies Past Eala in Madrid Open Rematch After Miami Setback

MADRID — Defending champion and world No. 2 Iga Swiatek survived a major early scare at the 2025 Madrid Open on Wednesday, rallying from a set down to defeat rising star Alexandra Eala 4–6, 6–4, 6–2 in a gripping second-round encounter.

The win marks a measure of revenge for Swiatek, who suffered a surprise quarterfinal loss to the 19-year-old Filipina just last month at the Miami Open. In what many dubbed a breakout performance, Eala toppled three Grand Slam champions — including Swiatek — en route to her first WTA 1000 semifinal. But in Madrid, Swiatek flipped the script with a tactical mid-match adjustment and a renewed sense of urgency that proved too much for the teenager to handle.

Swiatek’s Tactical Masterclass: Turning the Tide

The opening set saw Eala dominate with pace and depth, catching Swiatek flat-footed and breaking twice to take it 6–4. Eala’s forehand was particularly lethal, pushing the Pole wide and forcing errors early in rallies.

Swiatek responded in the second set by stepping inside the baseline, redirecting Eala’s pace, and leaning more heavily on her own first serve — which climbed to a 78% success rate in set two. She also targeted Eala’s backhand with consistent depth and topspin, a pattern that began to open up space for finishing points with her own forehand.

A crucial turning point came at 3–3 in the second set, where Swiatek fended off three break points in a ten-minute game. That hold shifted momentum, and she followed with a break to go up 5–3. Though Eala clawed one back, Swiatek sealed the set 6–4 and never looked back.

In the final set, Swiatek raced ahead 3–0, capitalizing on a visible drop in intensity from Eala, who struggled with unforced errors as fatigue began to show. Swiatek closed out the decider in 40 minutes, booking her place in the third round with a commanding 6–2 finish.

“She came out strong, and I had to find solutions,” Swiatek said post-match. “I changed my court positioning and tried to be more proactive, especially on return. It’s always tricky playing someone who’s playing with no pressure — but I’m happy with how I problem-solved today.”

Eala’s Meteoric Rise Continues Despite Loss

Despite the defeat, it was another noteworthy showing for Alexandra Eala — the highest-ranked Filipina in WTA history and currently sitting at world No. 72. Trained at the Rafael Nadal Academy, Eala has been a headline-maker since her junior days, winning the 2022 US Open girls’ singles title and consistently breaking barriers for Philippine tennis.

Her run to the semifinals in Miami, which included wins over Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Swiatek herself, put her on the global radar. And though she faltered in Madrid, her presence in these elite draws is quickly becoming the norm, not the exception.

“Of course I’m disappointed not to get the win today,” Eala said. “But I’ve learned a lot already this season — about playing top players, about managing pressure. I’ll take these lessons into the rest of the clay season.”

At just 19, Eala’s maturity and shot-making variety suggest her ascent is far from over. She remains a strong candidate for a French Open wildcard and continues to inspire young players across Southeast Asia.

Swiatek’s Season: Seeking a Final Breakthrough

For Swiatek, the win is another crucial step in what has been an up-and-down 2025 campaign. She reached the semifinals at both the Australian Open and Indian Wells, but titles have eluded her so far this year. A recent dip in form saw her fall to Eala in Miami and then to Elena Rybakina in Stuttgart — uncharacteristic early exits for the 2022 and 2023 French Open champion.

Madrid marks the start of a critical stretch for Swiatek as she prepares for her beloved Roland Garros, where she will be aiming for a third title in four years. With Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff looming in the draw, Swiatek knows each match offers a chance to rebuild her clay-court dominance.

Around the Grounds: Women’s Day 4 Highlights

Elsewhere in Madrid, 17-year-old sensation Mirra Andreeva continued her fine form with a straight-sets win over Aliaksandra Sasnovich, 6–3, 6–4. The world No. 7 — who turns 18 later this week — now advances to the third round, solidifying her status as one of the game’s brightest prospects.

Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia also staged an impressive comeback, recovering from a set down to defeat Bernarda Pera 3–6, 6–4, 6–1. The No. 13 seed has been a consistent force on clay and looks increasingly dangerous as the rounds progress.

Additional results:

• Katie Volynets d. Jasmine Paolini 7–5, 6–3
• Emma Navarro d. Elise Mertens 6–4, 6–4
• Diana Shnaider d. Karolina Pliskova 6–2, 6–1

Nishikori Notches 450th Career Win

On the men’s side, Kei Nishikori made history by recording his 450th ATP career win with a 6–3, 7–6(4) victory over Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic. The 34-year-old, who has battled numerous injuries in recent years, showed vintage touch and shot tolerance on the red clay of Madrid.

“It means a lot — 450 wins is a big number, and I’m proud to still be competing at this level,” said Nishikori, who reached the final here in 2014. “The body’s feeling better, and I’m just trying to enjoy every match.”

Next up: a marquee second-round clash with Denis Shapovalov, seeded No. 29.

Read More:

• Oklahoma City Thunder Dominates Memphis Grizzlies, 118-99, in Game 2 to Take 2-0 Series Lead
• Pacers Hold Off Bucks Rally to Take 2-0 Series Lead Behind Balanced Attack
• Pistons Hold Off Late Knicks Push to Secure Win
• WWE Raw After WrestleMania 2025: New Era Begins with Shocks, Returns, and Rivalries in Las Vegas

Goffin Retires; Alcaraz Withdraws

Veteran David Goffin retired from his first-round match due to an apparent right shoulder injury, handing victory to Argentine qualifier Facundo Diaz Acosta. Goffin, 34, has struggled with consistent form since returning from a series of injuries and may now miss the rest of the clay season.

In a major blow to the men’s draw, world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz officially withdrew from the tournament due to a lingering right forearm issue. The 2023 Madrid champion had been a strong favorite to repeat, and his absence opens the door for players like Jannik Sinner, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Casper Ruud to make deeper runs.

Tournament organizers have not yet confirmed whether Alcaraz will be fit for the Italian Open in Rome, scheduled to begin next week.

Looking Ahead: Round 3 On the Horizon

Swiatek is slated to face Anna Kalinskaya in the third round — a tricky test given Kalinskaya’s recent surge in form. Their match is scheduled for Friday, April 25, on Manolo Santana Stadium, with play expected to begin in the afternoon local time (CEST). Fans can stream the match live via Tennis Channel in the U.S., Amazon Prime Video in the U.K., and DAZN in select global markets. Check local listings for regional broadcast times.

Meanwhile, Mirra Andreeva may face Ons Jabeur in a potential blockbuster clash of styles.

On the men’s side, all eyes will be on Kei Nishikori vs. Denis Shapovalov, set for Thursday, April 24, on Arantxa Sánchez Stadium. That match will also be available on Tennis Channel and ATP Tennis TV.

With Carlos Alcaraz sidelined, the 2025 Madrid Open is wide open — and if Wednesday’s drama is any indication, fans can expect more fireworks in the days ahead.