Metro Manila, Philippines – Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala continued her impressive campaign after defeating World No. 10 Elina Svitolina, 6-3, 6-4, to advance to the semifinals of the Mubadala DC Open in Washington.
The victory marked Eala’s sixth win over a top-10 player this season – the most by any player currently ranked outside the world’s top 10.
It also extended her unbeaten head-to-head record against Svitolina to 2-0, following her victory over the Ukrainian at the Berlin Open earlier this year.
Eala, who reached her third semifinal of the season, credited her mindset for the straight-sets win.
“I think I came in with a great mindset today. I think I was playing very well, and of course Elina hit some good shots,” Eala said after the match.
The 21-year-old has now won her last four matches against top-10 opponents, continuing a remarkable run of form since the grass court season.
Eala will next face Japan’s Naomi Osaka in the semifinals.
Speaking about the matchup, the Filipina expressed admiration for the four-time Grand Slam champion.
“She’s, of course, such an accomplished player. I think she’s made waves on and off the tennis court for so many reasons. There’s so much respect for her for that,” Eala said.
