Alex Eala advancing to the Miami Open semis has Rafa Nadal, Hidilyn Diaz, and more celebs rejoicing

Alex Eala just made Philippine history as she beat world no. 2 Iga Swiatek at the Miami Open quarterfinals early Thursday morning (Philippine time).

This is the 19-year-old's 3rd consecutive match that she beat a Grand Slam winner, which not only brings Alex to the Miami Open semis — it's also put her inside the Top 100 ranking at the 75th spot.  

"I'm in complete disbelief right now. I'm on cloud nine," Alex said following her win.

Rafa Nadal, former world no. 1 and whose academy Alex attended, praised the Filipino teen in a Twitter post, saying “We are extremely proud of you, Alex. What an incredible tournament! Let’s keep dreaming!”

The academy also posted a photo of Alex’s graduation on X, where she received her diploma alongside Nadal and Iga.

Back home, fellow athletes, celebrities and Speaker Martin Romualdez of Leyte praised Alex for her incredible win.

“Alex Eala’s journey in the Miami Open is nothing short of extraordinary. Defeating world-class players like Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys, and Jelena Ostapenko demonstrates her strong determination and skill on the court,” Romualdez said.

“Her performance is proof of the heights that Filipino athletes can reach on the global stage. Alex embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence that inspires our youth to dream big and work hard,” he added.

The Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and Kapuso actors David Licauco and Carla Abellana celebrated Alex's victory by reposting photos and videos of the win on their Instagram Stories accounts.

Meanwhile, Kapuso sports broadcaster Martin Javier posted a video of Alex’s match on his Instagram Story and wrote, “Amazing stuff @alexeala!!!!!!”

Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2016 Nicole Cordoves said in an Instagram Stories post that "Looking at the Philippine flag on the scoreboard while watching the game already brings so much pride."

"Mabuhay ka, Alex," she added as she tagged the tennis player.

Content creator Isabelle Daza reposted a video of Alex's post-match interview and wrote on Instagram Stories that "This is the kind of news we need. Let's go sports!!" while Erwan Heussaff said Alex was "killing it!" 

Alex, who appeared in a Vogue Philippines cover back in 2022, was also commended by the magazine. 

“What makes her run so remarkable, apart from the fact that she has not dropped a set in four matches, is the calmness and belief she has displayed while on court, and the joy and pride playing for her country she expresses after,” Vogue said.

Alex will next face World No. 4 and 2024 US Open finalist Jessica Pegula in the semis.

Romualdez called on Filipinos to continue cheering for Alex, who is two wins away from winning the Miami Open title.

“May she continue to play with the same passion and determination that has brought her this far. The whole country is behind her, praying for her continued success," he said. — with Llanesca T. Panti/LA/BM, GMA Integrated News