Iga Swiatek Edges Rising Star Alex Eala in Three-Set Thriller; Kei Nishikori Hits Career Milestone
MADRID, April 25, 2025 — World No. 2 Iga Swiatek avenged her recent loss to Philippines’ rising sensation Alex Eala with a gritty 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 win in the second round of the Madrid Open 2025. The Polish star bounced back after losing the first set, leveraging her experience and mental toughness to overpower the 19-year-old in the final two sets.
Eala, who stunned Swiatek in straight sets at the Miami Open, started strong by breaking Swiatek’s serve early to take the first set 6-4. However, Swiatek regained control, dominating with baseline aggression and deep returns to close out the match.
Swiatek Eyes Deeper Run After Mixed Season
Swiatek, the defending champion in Madrid, has reached three semifinals this season — including the Australian Open and Indian Wells — but has yet to reach a final. She was ousted by Jelena Ostapenko last week in Stuttgart in a tight three-set battle.
The Madrid win is significant for Swiatek, not only for the revenge factor but also as a confidence boost ahead of the European clay swing.
Eala’s Historic Rise Continues Despite Loss
Alex Eala, currently ranked No. 72, made headlines last month by defeating Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys en route to the Miami Open semifinals, where she fell to Jessica Pegula. Her performance made her the first Filipina to break into the WTA Top 100, signaling a new era for Southeast Asian tennis.
Andreeva, Haddad Maia, and Navarro Advance
In other women’s matches:
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Mirra Andreeva (Russia) defeated Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-4 to reach the third round.
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Beatriz Haddad Maia (Brazil) came from a set down to beat Bernarda Pera 2-6, 6-3, 6-1.
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Diana Shnaider (Russia) crushed Katie Volynets 6-1, 6-2.
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Emma Navarro outlasted Maya Joint 7-5, 7-5 in a close encounter.
Nishikori Clinches 450th ATP Tour Win
On the men’s side, Japan’s Kei Nishikori marked a major milestone with his 450th career tour-level victory, defeating Aleksandar Vukic 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. The former World No. 4 said post-match:
“I wasn’t even aware it was my 450th. It’s been an 18-year journey — let’s aim for 500 now.”
Nishikori’s next opponent is 29th seed Denis Shapovalov in what promises to be an exciting third-round clash.
Other Men’s Results
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Lorenzo Sonego beat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-4, 7-6(5) to move into the next round.
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David Goffin retired during his match against Alexander Muller while trailing 1-0 in the third set.